Mitigating the impact of environmental, social and economic issues on sugarcane cultivation to achieve sustainability

Description

Mitigating the impact of sugarcane cultivation on the environment and ensuring both economic and social sustainability is key to successful and enduring sugar industries. This chapter focuses on the impact of agrochemical use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and how these may be mitigated. Persistent effects of agrochemical practices are described and strategies aimed at mitigating their impact are identified. Sources of GHG emissions are identified and some of the challenges associated with implementation of the practices required to mitigate their effects are provided. The chapter outlines arguments associated with the economic value of the practices that underpin adherence to improved environmental management, and includes a case study from South Africa to demonstrate an expansive learning approach to enhance adoption of a sound environmental management system, SUSFARMS®.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Environmental impacts on sugarcane cultivation 3 Economics of sustainable sugarcane cultivation 4 Case study: mitigating negative environmental effects 5 Small-scale grower (SSG) sustainable production 6 Conclusion and future trends 7 Where to look for further information 8 References