Pegada hídrica e eficiência no uso da água: um estudo comparativo do cultivo da cana-de-açúcar em diferentes municípios no noroeste paulista

Abstract

This study analyzes the water footprint of sugarcane cultivation through a comparative assessment between the municipalities of Jales and Ituverava, both located in the northwest region of São Paulo, Brazil. The research aims to understand how edaphoclimatic characteristics and land use history influence the water demand of sugarcane crops, proposing measures to increase the crop's climate resilience. The methodology for measuring the water footprint was based on the CROPWAT 8.0 software, using climate data from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) and productivity data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The selected municipalities present relevant contrasts in terms of soil type (Latosol and Argisol) and agricultural land use history, enabling the evaluation of these factors' influence on the water footprint of sugarcane cultivation. The results indicate that despite higher rainfall and better water storage capacity in Ituverava’s soil, the municipality exhibits a higher water footprint than Jales, requiring more water per ton of sugarcane produced. Additionally, the study demonstrates that climate change directly impacts crop productivity and water use efficiency, reinforcing the need for adaptation strategies in the agricultural sector. It also highlights the importance of incorporating water sustainability criteria into agricultural planning and agro environmental zoning, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change effects.