Impact of mechanization and previous burning reduction on GHG emissions of sugarcane harvesting operations in Brazil

► Between 1990 and 2009, GHG emissions from sugarcane harvesting were estimated. ► We considered the reduction of pre-burning and increasing use of mechanization. ► GHG emissions of Sao Paulo State passed from 1.053 to 0.639 tonCO2eq/ha. ► The decrease of previous burning reduced 79% of total emissions.