In recent years, the sugar-energy sector as a whole has been undergoing many technological and structural changes. As a result, the cost of production has been growing substantially, meaning that increased productivity and the longevity of sugarcane fields have become a fundamental element in maintaining the activities of industrial units and sugarcane suppliers in the country.

The path to this increase in productivity depends on planning and care in the implementation activities and management of the culture throughout the cycle. Before making the decision to renew the sugarcane field, it is important that the maintenance of soil fertility and quality are preserved, with appropriate phytotechnical management so that soil correction and preparation activities are minimized at the time of renovation, contributing to the reduction of implementation costs as well as maintenance of organic matter and microbiota levels in this environment.

All production environments have their own characteristics. Therefore, the pedological classification of this soil is essential so that the genetic material (sugar cane variety) to be implanted is adaptable to such conditions, thus being able to fully express its genetic potential. Most properties have different production environments, so the introduction of various genetic materials is an effective and protective alternative to the economic exploitation of sugar cane.

The varietal stock must be distributed in such a way that it covers around 15% of the area with each of the genetic materials. Therefore, considering this distribution, the property will have at least 6 varieties of sugar cane with their own characteristics and different ways of adapting to environmental conditions. Genetic improvement programs in Brazil have presented the sector with excellent genetic materials adapted to different conditions, with producers being responsible for allocating varieties adapted to the conditions of each production environment, preferably choosing erect genotypes, with a high stem population, and stable in regrowth, tolerant to the main diseases and rich in sugars. For these materials to be able to express their potential, it is necessary to monitor several important aspects for the good development of the culture, such as:

Soil acidity: The construction of the profile in the arable layer without the presence of toxicity, mainly due to aluminum, promotes an increase in the volume of the root system, increasing the absorption of water and nutrients, which are converted into accumulation of phytomass. The application of soil improvers and conditioners such as limestone and agricultural gypsum promote these benefits for the environment. These practices must be incorporated into management if necessary, when renovating the sugarcane field and in the stumps throughout the crop cycle. The use of calcium and magnesium oxides, as they are more soluble and reactive, are also a good alternative for adding these minerals as a nutritional source, and can be added to the soil at the time of planting, taking advantage of the furrowing operation.

Nutritional Balancing: Balanced nutrition with all essential macro and micronutrients cannot be neglected, being provided in accordance with the expected productive level. Splitting nutrient doses or using smart fertilizers with gradual release of minerals has proven to be a favorable condition for productivity. The use of micronutrients applied in installments at various times, added to fertilizer sources, in the herbicide mixture, to control the main pests optimizes operations and the absorption of these nutrients by the plant.

Water Deficit: When the use of irrigation systems is not available, a very efficient method to mitigate this deficit is the implementation of the third axis three-dimensional matrix. This management developed by the Campinas Agronomic Institute, through researcher Marcos Landell and his team, consists of harvesting sugarcane fields from younger cycles, up to the 3rd cut between May and June 10, and older sugarcane fields above the 4th cut after the month of July, in the Center-South of Brazil.

Younger sugarcane fields, as they have a smaller volume of roots, are harvested at a time when the soil has a greater reserve of residual water, and older sugarcane fields, with a more robust root system, are harvested at a time when the soil has lower availability. of water. This practice keeps the culm population stable throughout the cycle, in addition to protecting the plants and not generating a monetary increase in production costs, all that is needed is strategic harvest planning.

Compaction: The systematization and intelligent harvesting traffic using precision agriculture, that is, minimal trampling in the sugarcane row, promotes greater freedom for the root system to be able to deepen. When it is not possible to use precision agriculture in all harvesting equipment, at least opening the gauge of tractors already promotes great improvements in terms of trampling sugarcane ratoons.

Propagation Material (Seedlings): The origin of the propagation material must be traced with utmost care, since the productive performance of the sugarcane field depends entirely on its health and quality. The implementation and monitoring of seedling nurseries within the property or the acquisition of seedlings from nurseries who present certificates of health and origin of propagation materials are a guarantee of a good installation and productive future of the sugarcane field.

The first Cut: The planning and execution of management related to the implementation of the new sugarcane field must be carried out with the utmost attention, as this is when the greatest opportunity for major leaps in productivity presents itself. Crop Alternation before renewal: For high productivity to be achieved, the quality of the production system must be preserved and, in this regard, the increase and maintenance of soil organic matter must always be sought. The alternation of cultures contributes greatly to this. This increase in the system, in addition to bringing nutrients to the soil, maintains a more active and resilient microbiota, bringing numerous benefits and contributing to increased productivity.

Information: Close contact with research institutions and access to new technologies help decisively with the path to be taken. There is no success without technology and information. Sugarcane cultivation has multidisciplinary aspects. The constant study and understanding of production factors, particularities of each genetic material and changes in the production environment are decisive for the success of this activity.