Soil conservation: why we need to talk about it

Currently, agribusiness is the economic activity that has the most contact with and direct dependence on soil and its benefits. With this, the following question gains space: "How to develop agriculture and its productivity rate without ceasing to conserve and preserve the soil?". Conservationist agriculture responds to this problem with techniques that avoid the effect of the action of erosive agents, preventing soil impoverishment and less water infiltration, which harms crops. Furthermore, adequate soil management guarantees greater availability of nutrients, resulting in a more rational use of synthetic fertilizers. It may seem obvious, but the topic is so relevant and challenging that there is a date on the calendar to encourage initiatives towards best practices: April 15th, National Soil Conservation Day.

According to research carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with Embrapa, by 2029 the total area planted with crops in the country will grow by approximately 13,6%. Because of this, it is vitally important to raise awareness among farmers to reduce the impacts of agribusiness. Using means and products with better technology, which provide productivity and take care of the soil, already guarantees good results. One of the first changes that can be made is checking whether the supplier has ISO 14001 certification, which proves a company's environmental responsibility and commitment.

To follow these ideals and be successful in soil conservation, it is necessary for the farmer to adopt effective and conscious practices in their day-to-day work in the field, in addition to identifying the type of soil in which they work, and understanding that such methods provide long-term results. . Therefore, it is important to know and apply techniques such as crop rotation and direct planting, so that incorrect soil use does not compromise agricultural development and the wide range of soil functions for the environment.

Ana Bonatti, R&D Coordinator at Ubyfol