1. Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning 530007, China 2. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China 3. Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, QLD, Australia 4. Center for Resources, Environment and Food Security, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
● Matching crop nutrient demand and supply key to recovery of sugarcane soils.
● Inorganic inputs need to be replaced with organic sources to restore soil health and sustainability.
● Integrated multidisciplinary solution for sustainable sugarcane cropping system needed.
Demand for sugar is projected to grow in China for the foreseeable future. However, sugarcane production is unlikely to increase due to increasing production cost and decreasing profit margin. The persisting sugarcane yield plateau and the current cropping system with fertilizer overuse, soil acidification and pests and diseases remain the major productivity constraints. Sugarcane agriculture supports the livelihood of about 28 million farmers in South China; hence, sustaining it is a socioeconomic imperative. More compellingly, to meet the ever-increasing Chinese market demand, annual sugar production must be increased from the current 10 Mt to 16 Mt by 2030 of which 80% to 90% comes from sugarcane. Therefore, increasing sugar yield and crop productivity in an environmentally sustainable way must be a priority. This review examines the current Chinese sugarcane production system and discuss options for its transition to a green, sustainable cropping system, which is vital for the long-term viability of the industry. This analysis shows that reducing chemical inputs, preventing soil degradation, improving soil health, managing water deficit, provision of clean planting material, and consolidation of small farm holdings are critical requirements to transform the current farming practices into an economically and environmentally sustainable sugarcane cropping system.
More productive cultivars and optimized superior cropping systems for each region. Accelerate mechanization at all stages of crop production including harvesting. Consolidate small farms for efficiency gains
Relatively slow technology innovation and adoption
Promote high-quality, high-impact scientific research and development. Increase innovation adoption capacity, which is currently quite limited. Establish dedicated technology innovation demonstration centers across sugarcane industry
Low rate of genetic gains through breeding
Target cane yield > 75 t·ha −1 for normal production areas, > 90 t·ha −1 for high-yielding regions, and sugar content > 14% through superior cultivars. Consolidate and modernize breeding programs to produce superior cultivars
The need for green and highly productive cropping system
Remove soil, location (e.g., hillslopes) and environmental constraints to transform sugarcane cropping systems into a modern, highly efficient and productive cropping system through technological innovations. Promote green agricultural development by reducing the use of agrichemicals, improving soil health and soil fertility, and eliminating plastic film mulching. Accelerate the adoption of new crop production technologies.
Widespread incidence of diseases and pests
Reduce the incidence of pest and pathogens through resistant cultivars. Promote the use of clean planting material, and improve and implement strict quarantine procedures
Slow mechanization
Public-private-partnership to develop machineries suited for sugarcane crops and differing topologies (e.g., hill slope cultivation)
Talent training to increase the sugarcane industry research, development and management capacity
Develop sugarcane agriculture-specific courses and training workshops, identify and train future leaders to strengthen research and development capacity
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