IGCSE Geography Agricultural Systems Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Burning the cane before harvest is mainly done to remove the leaves and other non-sugar material that cover the stalks. Sugar content is stored in the stalks themselves, so cleaning away the leafy rubbish makes harvesting easier, faster, and less likely to damage the stalks or the cutting equipment. The burnt ash isn’t the goal here, and while ash can add some nutrients, fertilizing soil isn’t the main purpose. It isn’t primarily about killing pests, either, though fires can incidentally reduce some pests.