Perspectives on nutrient management through different farming practices for sugarcane production

India ranks second among the world’s leading producers of sugarcane and in recent decades, input usage has more than doubled to meet the growing global demand for bioenergy. This surge has contributed to climate change mitigation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, the long-term sustainability of sugarcane production is increasingly uncertain due to the adverse environmental impacts of intensive input use and non-optimized production methods. As the crop's potential for ethanol and green energy gains prominence, it is imperative to simultaneously enhance environmental performance. Nutrient depletion in plant crops often results in yield decline in subsequent ratoons, leading to reduced productivity and economic viability. Sustainable sugarcane production can be achieved by adopting natural and organic farming systems that promote resource conservation and minimize ecological damage. Organic nutrient management offers a viable alternative to maintain soil fertility, reduce input dependency and improve produce quality by avoiding harmful residues. In this context, the adoption of optimal nutrient management practices through natural and organic system has emerged as a research priority for ensuring long-term sustainability. Organic farming systems have attracted increased interest and can address some of the problems faced by humans as well as the agriculture sector. These systems not only contribute to environmental protection and the conservation of non-renewable resources but also address concerns related to food quality, ecosystem balance and farm profitability.