Enhancing climate-smart agriculture and global circular economy through sustainable nutrient management and fertilization

• Grant number: 24/17232-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Cassio Hamilton Abreu Junior
• Grantee: Juan Ricardo Rocha
• Supervisor: Susanne Schmidt
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Queensland, Brisbane (UQ), Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/08391-8 - Fertilizer and water management for high productivity and biomass quality of energy cane for bioethanol and bioenergy production, BP.PD

Abstract

Efficient nutrient management and the circular nutrient economy are vital for boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability. These practices optimize fertilizer use, enhance soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting carbon sequestration and regenerative techniques. Australia is renowned for its innovative use of ecosystems and advanced fertilizer management technologies. The School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability at the University of Queensland (UQ) is a leading institution in these areas, offering valuable expertise in nutrient management and circular economy practices. Collaboration with UQ is crucial for developing effective agricultural solutions. Prof. Susanne Schmidt, the supervisor, brings significant experience in nutritional management and sustainable sugarcane practices, alongside her work on greenhouse gas emissions and efficient fertilizers. Her expertise will be essential for implementing these practices in Brazil. The project aims to integrate these innovative practices into the Brazilian sugar-energy sector, aligned with the FAPESP project "Fertilizer and water management for high productivity and biomass quality of energy cane for bioethanol and bioenergy production" (grant number 2022/08391-8). This initiative focuses on enhancing nutrient management and water use efficiency in energy cane cultivation. Scheduled from February 2025 to January 2026, the project involves literature review, adaptation framework development, field observations, and data collection. Collaboration with UQ researchers will be key. The final stages will include synthesizing results and preparing a detailed report, contributing to the creation of the first fertilization manual for energy cane in Brazil.