Sustainability in Sugarcane Supply Chain in Brazil: Issues and Way Forward

This study presents a literature review of the main advances that took place in the last 10 years in the agricultural production of sugarcane in Brazil, which can effectively result in increased productivity and sustainability. This became a central topic as much of this crop in Brazilian is used to produce ethanol to replace fossil fuels; therefore, the increased concerns about global warming and climate change, and the greater pressure from society for sustainability in agriculture in general became more relevant for sugarcane. Actions have been taken to encourage the use of more conservationist practices from planting to harvesting, greater recycling of residues, preservation of biodiversity, delivery of environmental services, adoption of circular economy and, especially, compliance with internal and external commitments on reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, among other aspects. Fertilizer recommendations have been revised to increase yields and ratoon longevity, leading to higher rates of micronutrients and the more frequent application of lime, phosphogypsum, and P fertilizers in ratoons. Optimized use of vinasse includes addition of mineral fertilizers to save field operations for separate fertilization. The sugarcane breeding programs in Brazil are releasing an average of eight varieties per year, including transgenic varieties. Replanting of sugarcane fields with newer and more productive varieties are facilitated by novel planting methods using pre-sprouted settlings (PSS) combined with the nurseries mingled into the crop renewal fields, locally termed “MEIOSI,” which also allow the easy introduction of rotation crops. Soil compaction and ratoon trampling caused by heavy machines that replaced manual harvesting are being solved with GPS-based traffic control, which is embedded in most farming equipment in the sugarcane sector nowadays. Finally, public policies, such as the Renovabio legislation, incentivizing the production of sugarcane/ethanol with low GHG emissions are also in place. With this, the sugarcane industry is revising all field and industrial procedures to optimize operations and earn more decarbonization credits, in a win–win situation. The combined efforts of research institutions and the private sector, along with the proper policies, have the potential to lead toward a renewed and more sustainable sugarcane industry.