This study evaluated the effect of different N fertilizer application methods on N₂O and CH₄ emissions and on sugarcane biomass yields over two successive growing seasons. Treatments included three methods of N fertilizer (120 kg ha⁻¹ N) application: 1) above the straw layer; 2) below the straw layer; 3) incorporated into the soil (at 0.1-m soil depth) below the straw layer; and 4) no N application (control). Sugarcane yield for the above straw treatment was, on average, 12% and 15% lower than below the straw and incorporated into the soil, respectively. Emissions of CH₄ were very low and unaffected by N fertilizer placement. The method and timing of N application influenced N₂O emissions. For both years, higher N₂O emissions were observed from the above straw, followed by below straw and incorporated treatments. Except for the above straw treatment during the wet season, the N₂O emission factors ranged from 0.08 to 0.62 and were lower than the IPCC default value (1%). The intensity of N₂O emissions was, on average, 7.45, 3.97 and 3.3 kg CO₂eq Mg stalk⁻¹ for N applied above straw, below straw and incorporated into the soil, respectively. Changes in the N fertilizer placement method and on the timing of application can significantly reduce GHG emissions during sugarcane production, making a significant contribution toward a cleaner production of sugarcane ethanol.