A REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON SUGARCROPS

Abstract

Sugarcane is the second most important cash crop of Pakistan after cotton, belonging to Saccharum species. It is noted that patterns of trade influence elements of sugar production that have an impact on the environment. It is not the main intention to compare cane and beet systems, although comparisons are sometimes made for contextual purposes. The environmental impacts of the processing (but not cultivation) of sugar crops have been summarized previously
and other texts on aspects of sugar production often include some coverage of environmental issues. However, this appears to be the first attempt to collate and review information on the environmental impacts of sugar production. The emphasis is on an environmental perspective although agronomic priorities are generally acknowledged where appropriate. The one area where a consistent difference in viewpoints has become apparent is in relation to soil quality. From an
environmental perspective, soil nutrient balance is seen as degradation; this only tends to be the case from an agronomic perspective when the effect is sufficient to reduce yields. There appears to be a lack of data on air pollution (and human health impacts) arising from poorly managed aerial application of agrochemicals. Similarly, short-term water pollution events arising directly from an application of fertilizer or pesticide appear not to be reported. In broad terms, the literature on environmental aspects of cane sugar production is dominated by contributions from Australia,
South Africa and to a lesser extent India, Mauritius and Pakistan. This should not be taken to suggest that environmental impacts, or measures to reduce them, are necessarily of greatest significance. The purpose of this review is to study environmental effects (ongoing cultivation, water, soil and air pollution) on sugarcane crops.