Sugarcane trash mulching: A sustainablecarbon farming practice

Abstract

Sugarcane trash mulching is an effective carbon farming practice that improves soil health, enhances crop productivity, and reduces environmental impacts in Indian agriculture. The practice involves retaining sugarcane residues on the soil surface, which increases soil organic carbon, improves moisture conservation, and supports better nutrient cycling. The adoption of trash mulching across
major sugarcane growing states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh led to improvements in yield, water use efficiency, and soil quality under mulched conditions. By preventing residue burning, the practice also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change mitigation. Sugarcane trash mulching supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including efficient resource utilisation (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable land management (SDG 15), making it a practical approach for climate-smart sugarcane cultivation in India.