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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Prospects for Increasing Sugarcane and Bioethanol Production on Existing Crop Area in Brazil

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Author(s):
Marin, Fabio R. [1] ; Martha, Jr., Geraldo B. [2] ; Cassman, Kenneth G. [3, 4] ; Grassini, Patricio [3, 4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr ESALQ, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Labex USA, Brazilian Agr Res Corp EMBRAPA, Beltsville, MD - USA
[3] Univ Nebraska Lincoln, Dept Agron & Hort, Lincoln, NE - USA
[4] Univ Nebraska Lincoln, Daugherty Water Food Inst, Lincoln, NE - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Bioscience; v. 66, n. 4, p. 307-316, APR 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 19
Abstract

This article assesses sugarcane yield gaps (YG) in Brazil to determine the degree to which production can be increased without land expansion. In our scenario assessments, we evaluated how much of the projected sugarcane demand to 2024 (for both sugar and bioethanol) can be satisfied through YG closure. The current national average yield is 62% of yield potential estimated for rainfed conditions (i.e., a YG of 38%). Continuing the historical rate of yield gain is not sufficient to meet the projected demand without an area expansion by 5% and 45% for low- and high-demand scenarios, respectively. Closing the exploitable YG to 80% of potential yield would meet future sugarcane demand, with an 18% reduction in sugarcane area for the low-demand scenario or a 13% expansion for the high-demand scenario. A focus on accelerating yield gains to close current exploitable YG is a high priority for meeting future demand while minimizing pressure on additional land requirements. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/12406-4 - Brazilian sugarcane yield-gap: current status and future projection based on climate, soil and water management changes
Grantee:Fabio Ricardo Marin
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants
FAPESP's process: 14/50023-0 - Hydro-social and environmental impacts of sugarcane production on land use and food security: an international programme to foster trans-disciplinary science, networking and community building - THESIS
Grantee:Fabio Ricardo Marin
Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants