Literature Review on Residue Management of Sugarcane in Brazil and its Effects on Biodiversity

Abstract

In an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions, there is now increasing interest in producing bioenergy from agricultural residue, such as sugarcane residue. This shift in residue management strategies may have an impact on biodiversity, which remains to be investigated. Once the impacts are understood, measures can be implemented to minimise negative effects and preserve biodiversity, ultimately pro-moting sustainable bioenergy production. Therefore, literature research was conducted. Information from different papers was extracted based on the scope (Brazil) and the residue management impact of sugarcane on biodiversity. Certain mechanisms of impact were found. The decomposition of residue on the field helps fertilise the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertiliser. Additionally, herbicide usage may be impacted by the presence of residue, affecting the germination and growth of weeds and ulti-mately altering their composition. Moreover, soil compaction and soil pollution through leaching as well as the physical presence of residue affect biodiversity. Biodiversity was generally increased when there was a certain amount of residue left on the field. Specific taxonomic groups were identified that are affected by changes in the residue management. Mostly soil microbes and arthropods are studied, while there is a lack of available literature for other taxonomic groups such as mammals and limited literature for nematodes and birds. Overall, it can be concluded that biodiversity is affected based on residue management strategies. This review highlights the need for further studies concerning residue manage-ment and its effect on biodiversity. Including biodiversity when aiming at a sustainable production of bioenergy is relevant.