Integrated Nutrition, Biologicals and Physiological Activators Raise Plant Cane Productivity by Up to 10 t/ha, Studies Show

29 April 2026, Brazil: Agronomic results from experimental plots and commercial sugarcane fields in Brazil show that combining nutrition, biological products and physiological activators across the crop cycle can increase plant cane productivity and improve industrial quality. Compared with standard management practices, trials recorded average gains of 10 tonnes of cane per hectare, increases of up to 20% in °Brix, and up to 18% in TAH (Tons of Sugar per Hectare), a key indicator of sugar yield per cultivated area. 

The studies also reported stronger crop establishment and improved plant development. Researchers observed up to 35% higher root volume, a 26% increase in tiller numbers, 11% more established plants and an average 9% increase in plant height. These gains indicate better nutrient and water uptake, more uniform crop stands, and the potential for longer field life with reduced replanting frequency and lower production costs. 

The work was conducted by Agrocete, a Brazilian multinational company with more than 45 years of operations in agribusiness. The company, traditionally active in grain crops across southern and central-western Brazil, has expanded its sugarcane operations and research footprint in recent years. Trials were carried out in producing regions across São Paulo, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais, including Porteirão, Taquarussu, Uberlândia, Ariranha, Elisário, Embaúba and Guararapes. 

Whole-Cycle Management Approach

The trials focused on integrated crop management rather than isolated product use. The approach, described by the company as “Productivity Building,” is based on aligning multiple technologies with crop requirements at each stage of development. According to the company, the model draws on more than 330 scientific studies conducted with around 90 research institutions in Brazil. 

Luis Felipe Dresch said sugarcane, as a semi-perennial crop, requires broader management planning than annual crops. He noted that growers must consider not only first-harvest yields but also field longevity, which depends on establishing a strong physiological base early in the crop cycle. He added that major challenges remain around soil fertility, root development, plant protection and the use of sustainable inputs. 

Climate and Field Constraints

The study highlighted production challenges in several regions, particularly in northwestern São Paulo, where prolonged drought, high temperatures and irregular rainfall continue to affect yields. Additional management constraints include inadequate soil preparation, nutrient deficiencies, soil compaction, low-quality planting material, pest and disease pressure, weak soil nutrition and limited monitoring. These factors can accelerate field decline and increase the need for early renovation, one of the largest cost components in sugarcane production. 

Commercial Farm Results

In Guararapes, São Paulo, a 20-hectare commercial field demonstrated stronger crop resilience under adverse weather conditions, particularly drought stress. Harvested in July 2025, the field later prompted the grower to expand the integrated management approach across the entire plant cane area after observing the results. 

Luiz Pereira Costa said the difference in field performance during drought conditions was visible when compared with surrounding areas, with treated crops showing better plant health and resilience. 

During the cycle, the farm recorded an increase of around 3.55 °Brix units at the pre-harvest stage, equivalent to a 21.7% rise over standard management. Structural gains were also observed, with stalk weight increasing from around 5.8 kg to 10.6 kg, along with a 71% rise in stalk numbers per linear metre. Final productivity gains reached approximately 7 tonnes per hectare, together with improvements in industrial quality. 

Two-Phase Productivity Model

The “Productivity Building” system was applied in two phases: defining yield potential from planting to 120 days, and maintaining genetic potential from 120 to 360 days. 

The first phase focuses on establishment, including root development, protection from soil-borne pathogens and activation of plant metabolism. It includes integrated solutions such as physiological nutrition, microbial biotechnology and biological control during sett treatment and early crop growth to support uniform emergence, stronger rooting and healthier initial plant development. 

The second phase focuses on sustaining growth and converting early vigour into biomass accumulation through balanced nutrition and metabolic support. Final applications are aimed at stalk filling and sugar accumulation, which determine final crop productivity and returns to growers. 

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