The Impact of Sugarcane Fertilizers On Water Quality and Coral Reefs in Brazil

An innovative study by AXA Climate is shedding light on how agricultural runoff from sugarcane farming is affecting Brazil’s coral reefs – and how smarter fertilizer use could help. Launched during COP30 discussions in Belém, the project focused on the Costa dos Corais Marine Protected Area, a hotspot for coral reefs along Brazil’s northeast coast that lies downstream from major sugarcane fields. Researchers developed detailed agronomic and hydrological models to trace nutrient flows from farm to reef, finding that conventional fertilizer practices in this watershed contribute to nitrogen-rich runoff that can degrade water quality and harm corals. Working with a bio-fertilizer company (Agrion) and supported by the GFCR’s Catalytic Finance Foundation, the study explored sustainable fertilizer strategies (like using organic or precision fertilizers) that significantly cut nutrient leaching. The modeling showed that scaling such practices could reduce pollution in rivers and coastal waters, thereby improving reef health. Beyond local findings, the report provides a blueprint for action: it demonstrates how data-driven tools can guide farmers, policymakers, and investors in making agriculture more reef-friendly. Recommendations include implementing watershed-level nutrient management plans, updating fertilizer policies to incentivize lower runoff, and developing “blue finance” mechanisms that link farm improvements to downstream reef benefits. Ultimately, this work highlights a win-win pathway: by adopting regenerative agriculture techniques, Brazil can sustain its huge sugarcane industry and safeguard coral ecosystems – proving that food production and reef conservation can go hand in hand