International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 27-33 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 29 3 Best Management Practices (BMPs) 3.1 Non-burning harvest techniques Non-burning harvest techniques, commonly known as green harvesting, are pivotal for reducing the environmental impacts of sugarcane production. Traditional burning practices, used to facilitate manual harvesting and pest control, contribute significantly to air pollution and loss of biodiversity. They also result in the destruction of organic matter crucial for soil health. Switching to non-burning techniques offers numerous benefits including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the conservation of soil integrity by retaining crop residues on the fields. These residues decompose naturally, enriching the soil with organic matter and improving its structure and nutrient content. Perillo et al. (2021) detail the substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through the adoption of green harvesting in southern Brazil. Their research underscores how this practice not only mitigates air pollution but also enhances the carbon sequestration potential of the soil, which is vital in the fight against climate change. 3.2 Soil health management Soil health management is critical to ensuring the long-term productivity and sustainability of sugarcane cultivation. Practices such as crop rotation, controlled traffic farming, and reduced tillage are fundamental in this regard. Crop rotation helps break pest cycles and reduces the build-up of pathogens, while diversifying the structure of the soil microbiome. Controlled traffic farming minimizes soil compaction, preserving its porosity and aeration, which are essential for root growth and water infiltration. Reduced tillage techniques maintain soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase water retention. Thorburn et al. (2016) explore these techniques in the context of Brazilian sugarcane production. Their findings demonstrate that implementing these soil health management practices significantly reduces soil degradation and enhances yield stability over time, confirming their importance in sustainable agriculture practices. 3.3 Integrated pest management (IPM) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. IPM emphasizes the use of biological controls and the development and deployment of resistant varieties, reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides. This approach not only diminishes the chemical runoff into nearby water bodies and soil but also promotes biodiversity by preserving beneficial insects and microorganisms. A study by Shukla et al. (2019) in the context of sugarcane emphasizes the successful application of IPM strategies. They discuss how IPM not only helps manage pests effectively but also reduces pesticide use, fostering a healthier ecosystem and sustainable crop production. 4 Technological Innovations in Sugarcane Production 4.1 Precision agriculture Precision agriculture represents a revolution in the way sugarcane is cultivated, harnessing advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, and GPS to enhance agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability. These tools allow for precise mapping of variability in field conditions, such as soil moisture levels, nutrient status, and pest pressures. This information can be used to optimize the application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring that these resources are applied only where needed and in the correct amounts (Iqbal et al., 2021). Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can monitor crop health from above, detecting issues such as water stress, disease outbreaks, or nutrient deficiencies before they become widespread. GPS technology enables tractors and other machinery to follow precise routes in the field, minimizing overlap and reducing soil compaction, fuel consumption, and time. The use of these technologies minimizes the environmental footprint of sugarcane production by reducing runoff and leaching of chemicals into water bodies, lowering emissions from agricultural machinery, and enhancing the
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