Remote sensing applied to the analysis of biochar incorporation methods on sugarcane productivity

Biochar, a product of biomass pyrolysis under low-oxygen conditions, is a carbon-rich material with high chemical stability and a large specific surface area. When applied to agricultural systems, biochar contributes to increased stable soil carbon stocks, promoting carbon sequestration and improvements in soil quality, which are reflected in crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different biochar application strategies on sugarcane vegetative vigor using remote sensing techniques. The study was conducted at the Gameleira Farm, owned by Brunozzi Agropecuária, in Campina Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Seven plots were established with different biochar application strategies: application in the planting furrow (0 and 6.59 t ha⁻¹), incorporation with a disk harrow (0, 3.45, and 3.73 t ha⁻¹), and incorporation with a moldboard plow (0 and 3.44 t ha⁻¹). Seven months after the harvest of the first crop cycle, vegetative vigor was assessed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), followed by the calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Green Leaf Index (GLI). The results showed differences among biochar application methods in terms of crop physiological response. The highest mean GLI value was observed in the treatment with 3.44 t ha⁻¹ incorporated using a moldboard plow, indicating greater leaf greenness intensity. This same treatment also showed the highest yield values, suggesting it as the most effective biochar application method for sugarcane.