Evaluation of Water Erosion in Sugarcane Crops Using Erosion Plots and Photo Comparison Technics

The objective of this study was to evaluate processes of water erosion in sugarcane crops using experimental plots and photo comparison technics. Soil losses were quantified in four erosion monitoring plots located in two watersheds in the center-east region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Soil physical and chemical analysis were performed, and precipitation and slope data were collected. These data were analyzed together with soil vegetation cover indexes obtained from the classification of digital photographs. Photo comparison and classification methods were used to follow the sugarcane crop development, and quantify and qualify the soil cover. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soils caused lower vegetation development and greater soil susceptibility to erosive processes. The management of the sugarcane crops evaluated were inadequate; physical and slope limitations of the soils that compose the landscapes were not considered. Sugarcane areas are expanding in the state of São Paulo, and the months with higher rainfall rates coincide with the periods in which this crop is not covering the soil, thus, adopting adequate soil management practices, and land use planning is necessary.