USE OF FILTER CAKE IN SUGARCANE CULTIVATION

Abstract

Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugar cane, sugar and ethanol. Sugar cane, once processed and converted into ethanol and sugar, produces a large volume of waste, by-products that can be used with benefits in fertilization of sugarcane fields. Filter cake is an important residue generated from the filtration of liquid extracted from rotary filter mills, presenting a notable amount of moisture and a high content of micronutrients ideal for the development of sugar cane. in fertilizing sugarcane fields, resulting in savings in the acquisition of fertilizers and contributing to an increase in agricultural production, which benefits plant owners. The material that was previously known as waste was transformed into an ecologically viable option for organic-mineral fertilizer, emerging as a replacement for mineral fertilizer, reducing production costs and minimizing environmental impacts. The present work aims to analyze the sugar and alcohol sector in Brazil, the use of filter cake residue as organic fertilizer, its efficiency and the economic and environmental benefits arising from this practice.