**1. Introduction**

The sugarcane production systems addressed in this chapter were recommended by the authors for small farms of the Zona da Mata region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. These small rural properties are located at geographical coordinates ranging from 20°45′14″ to 21°11′39″ South and 42°52′55″ and 43°01′04″ West. The altitude ranges from 330 to 650 m. The climate of the region is humid subtropical and varies from Aw to Cwa with rainy summers, according to Köppen classification. The average precipitation of the last 30 years is approximately 1200 mm. There is water surplus from November to March, precipitation is below potential evapotranspiration from April to September (causing water deficit), and precipitation is again higher than evapotranspiration in October. Therefore, the dry and rainy seasons are well defined in the region.

The predominant soils in the region are Distrophic Red-Yellow Latossol, Ultisol Red-Yellow Dystrophic and Latossolic Cambisol [1]. Although soils have low fertility, their physical composition allows for agricultural activity provided that

appropriate techniques are used. The main agricultural techniques recommended to these small farmers are aimed at improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil by lime and gypsum application, chemical fertilization, green fertilization, using organic compost, planting of sugarcane varieties with greater yield potential, chemical weed control, and biological pest control. The sugarcane produced in these properties is intended for animal feed and the production of *rapadura*, brown sugar, *cachaça,* and ethanol.
