Delineation and implementation of soil management zones for variable-rate fertilization in sugarcane fields

• Grant number: 24/15314-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: José Paulo Molin
• Grantee: Ricardo Canal Filho
• Supervisor: Patrick Filippi
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Sydney, Australia
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/04638-1 - Delineation and implementation of soil management zones for variable-rate fertilization in sugarcane fields, BP.DR

Abstract

This proposal outlines a collaborative research project between the University of São Paulo's Laboratory of Precision Agriculture (LAP) and the University of Sydney's Precision Agriculture Laboratory (PA Lab), focusing on advancing precision agriculture practices for sugarcane. Supervised by Dr. Patrick Filippi, the project aims to leverage the expertise of the Australian group to enhance ongoing research in Brazil. Key objectives include developing and validating management zones (MZs) and variable-rate fertilization strategies to improve sugarcane yield and sustainability. The proposal highlights the PA Lab's significant experience in yield monitoring, digital mapping, and management zones, and aims to apply their methodologies to the Brazilian sugarcane sector. The project will utilize multi-source data and advanced clustering techniques for delineating MZs and evaluate different fertilization strategies through economic and sustainability lenses. The collaboration is expected to produce high-impact research publications and foster international knowledge exchange. The research will be conducted over nine months starting February 2025, with the candidate participating in PA Lab activities to enrich the project's outcomes.