Characterizing sugarcane production areas using actual yield and edaphoclimatic condition data for the state of Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) yield is affected by climate, soil and management. The main approach used in Brazil defines the suitable area for growth considering soil and climate data, without considering the capacity of local management in reducing yield-limiting factors. Thus, the aim of this study is to characterize homogenous areas using sugarcane actual yield, climate, total plant-available soil water capacity (TASW), and production intensity data. The study was conducted in the Goiás state, totalizing 246 counties. The first step was to group areas based on actual yield obtained from 1973 to 2016. The groups were characterized considering climate (rainfall and air temperature), soil (TASW), and sugarcane production data. Actual sugarcane yield formed eight homogenous groups, numbered 1–8, containing 12 and 50 counties each group. The counties groups with a higher yield have a higher production intensity. They are near mills, have a higher TASW, and are divided in traditional and recent expansion areas. The counties groups with a lower yield have a lower TASW and a higher air temperature. Hotter regions are in the western and northern state border. New areas of expansion were available near current sugarcane mills within areas with a higher TASW. Thus, preferential regions were defined by associating edaphoclimatic conditions with high yield. These areas can receive support to improve sugarcane production.