Always and in any crop, the rural producer seeks, through knowledge and improved techniques, to achieve maximum productivity within the limits of the plant's genetic potential.

The production potential of a sugarcane field depends on edaphoclimatic conditions, the choice of sugarcane variety according to local characteristics, soil correction according to analysis, the use of macro and micro fertilizers according to the crop's needs during the period, the use of pesticides for preventing or controlling pests and diseases, herbicides to keep the crop “clean” or eliminating invasive herbs, also the use of biological agents and other inputs targeted as needed to keep the crop within an economically viable standard.

Knowledge and interpretation of edaphoclimatic conditions direct, among many items, the agronomic techniques that will be applied in the sugarcane crop cycle. Within this context is short and medium-term planning and also the technical training of professionals for the correct application of technologies. In this diversity of items that make up the challenges for improving productivity and longevity, I will discuss the activity not yet mentioned, which is agricultural mechanization.

Without a doubt, mechanization brought a decisive advance to agriculture and sugarcane production. Through it, we can increase yield, productivity and quality in the broadest sense of the word. We facilitate labor and environmental issues and provide “comfort” to the operational workforce. It is worth remembering that more than 70% of sugarcane production costs are linked to mechanization and maintenance of equipment.

In the advancement achieved by mechanization in the operational activities of conducting and forming crops, from soil preparation to harvesting, we must highlight that the correct use of this equipment provides better productivity and longevity of the crop. Currently, the major concerns in mechanized operations are also directed to the technical adequacy of tractors, seeking balance in power, wheel ballasting, models, compatibility with agricultural implements and equipment, gauge adjustments in accordance with planting spacing to avoid or minimize the effect trampling and compacting soils and tamping without harming root development and productivity. We must take great care in regulating the doses of inputs, observing the climatic conditions for application, aiming for maximum use and directing them towards the “target”.

Sugarcane cultivation, from planting to completion, has an average cycle of 6 years, with annual harvests. During this harvest period, cultural treatment equipment travels approximately 20 to 23 times through the field before it is renewed. This shows how much we have to use available technologies and people training so that traffic is directed and the level of compaction is minimized for better root development and crop conservation.

The great challenge proposed by the theme of this edition involves mechanization as a technological solution to improve the entire sugarcane production system. Mechanization, in some of its activities, also became another villain of the system when it did not deliver the work envisioned. As a result, some equipment was marginalized and remained stagnant for years, facing difficulties in advancing.

Not very recent examples were rotary rakes in the 90s and early 2000s that were rejected due to poor use and not good performance. Many production units sold these still with the factory paint. More recently and not very different were the sugarcane planters that, even recently acquired, were “stranded” in some mills due to a lack of commitment, and many were sold by weight.

What does this have to do with the theme of this edition? Everything, because advances in productivity and quality are linked not only to the improvement and correct use of equipment, but also to attitudes that lead to constant improvements. See the photos presented for different uses of the same equipment and activity with completely different results, with one maintaining productivity and quality conditions, while the other does not.



Images 1 and 2 (highlighted) show application of insecticide for sphenophorus levis in ratoon crops: Hit and miss on the “target” indicating operational failure in the second photo with losses in productivity and crop longevity.



Photo 3 (highlighted) shows different gauge dimensions between tractor and transshipment, causing trampling on tamps with possible compaction and injuries to the tamps.

Photo 4 (highlighted) shows perfect traffic of both the harvester and the transshipment operation, freeing the ratoon from trampling and providing conditions for greater longevity and productivity for subsequent harvests.



Photo 5 (highlighted) shows errors in cutting the harvester's base with a high number of ratoon harvesting, reducing productivity and longevity. Photo 6 (highlighted) Soca with very good sprouting and no pulling effect with great opportunity for good production.

Mechanization is present in all harvest preparation activities, and its use with correct techniques and methodology will always provide opportunities for gains in quality, productivity and longevity.