International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 27-33 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 27 Feature Review Open Access Mitigating Environmental Impacts in Sugarcane Production: Best Management Practices and Technological Innovations Kaiwen Liang 1, Jianquan Li 2 1 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Hainan Institute of Troppical Agricultural Resources (HITAR), Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jianquanli@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0004 Received: 17 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 25 Jan., 2024 Published: 21 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liang K.W., and Li J.Q., 2024, Mitigating environmental impacts in sugarcane production: best management practices and technological innovations, International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 14(1): 27-33 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0004) Abstract This study examines the integration of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and technological innovations in mitigating the environmental impacts of sugarcane production. Through comprehensive literature reviews and case studies from major sugarcane-producing countries such as Brazil and India, this study identifies effective strategies that reduce environmental degradation while enhancing productivity. The findings underscore the importance of non-burning harvest techniques, soil health management, and integrated pest management as BMPs that significantly contribute to sustainability. Furthermore, the study highlights the pivotal role of technological innovations such as precision agriculture, bioenergy and bioproducts development, and genetic improvement in transforming the sugarcane industry. Real-world applications demonstrate how these practices not only support environmental sustainability but also improve economic viability. The study concludes with recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the need for continued innovation and adaptation of management practices in response to evolving environmental challenges and market demands. Keywords Sugarcane production; Best management practices; Technological innovations; Environmental sustainability; Precision agriculture 1 Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarumL.) is a major crop used for sugar and bioenergy production worldwide. While it is economically vital, its cultivation can have significant environmental impacts. These include soil degradation, water overuse and contamination, and considerable greenhouse gas emissions, especially when pre-harvest burning is practiced. For instance, the expansion of sugarcane farming often leads to intensive land use changes, which may adversely affect soil quality, lead to biodiversity loss, and increase greenhouse gas emissions (Cardoso et al., 2018; Perillo et al., 2021). To address these environmental concerns, it is essential to implement best management practices (BMPs) and adopt technological innovations. BMPs such as the non-burning of sugarcane fields before harvest and the adoption of green harvesting techniques help reduce air pollution and enhance soil health by retaining crop residues on the fields. Technological innovations, including precision agriculture and advanced mechanization, optimize resource use and minimize environmental footprints. For example, controlled traffic farming and reduced tillage are known to decrease soil compaction and maintain soil fertility, significantly improving the sustainability of sugarcane production (Chagas et al., 2016). Moreover, the integration of biorefineries into the sugarcane industry can transform waste products into valuable bioenergy and bioproducts, thereby reducing waste and increasing the crop's overall sustainability. The adoption of these practices and technologies not only mitigates the environmental impacts but also enhances the economic viability of sugarcane production, making it a more sustainable agricultural practice globally (Silva et al., 2020). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various BMPs and technological innovations in reducing the environmental impacts associated with sugarcane cultivation. By systematically examining these aspects, this research expects to provide comprehensive insights into how BMPs and technological advancements can
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