The process of converting (degraded) pasture sites for sugarcane production is becoming increasingly important. In a recent paper of Cherubin et al. (2016) investigated the effect of sugarcane production of formerly used degraded pastures. Their results show that soil functions are decreased. Based on a soil physical quality index (SPQI) using indicators on root growth, water supply, soil aeration and the resistance to soil degradation the authors found that the potential soil functioning is decreased under pastures and even more under sugarcane production. The sugarcane site resulted in critical values indicating soil degradation. The authors suggest that the increase of SOM may avoid soil compaction under sugarcane production.

Cherubin et al. (2016). Soil physical quality response to sugarcane expansion in Brazil. Geoderma