Brazil uses more than 130 million doses of biological inoculants in crops

A promising scenario for the market for biological inputs for agriculture has been established since last year. With more than 130 million doses of biological inoculants sold and gains of 16% in soybean productivity with coinoculation, the benefits are not only restricted to farmers, but the inputs are also environmentally friendly, replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizers and reducing the use of other phosphate mineral fertilizers.

According to Mariangela Virgínia da Cunha, a researcher at Embrapa, with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), there is an estimated reduction of 5,4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2) per hectare in soybean crops. The data is based on the current productivity of this oilseed in Brazil. Accounting for more than 44 million hectares, the result is a significant reduction of 236 million tons of CO2 equivalents that are no longer released into the atmosphere.

Still according to the researcher, Brazil has the potential to improve this scenario and reach the number of 240 million tons of CO2 equivalents not emitted, adding the potential of corn to that of soybeans. In terms of value, this would represent savings in the purchase of chemical fertilizers of 27,4 billion dollars for the Brazilian agribusiness market.

"These economic and environmental benefits result in social gains, improving not only the quality of life of farmers, but also of society as a whole", he assesses, and adds: "just as important as these benefits, is showing that long-term investment in "Research provides economic and environmental returns to the country. Certainly, without FBN research, Brazil would not position itself as the world's largest producer and exporter of soybeans, as the costs of nitrogen fertilizers would make competitiveness unfeasible", he concludes.

Benefits in corn cultivation

Another success story when it comes to the benefits of using biological inoculants for producers and the environment is corn cultivation, highlights Mariângela. Recently, studies by Embrapa endorsed the replacement of 25% of nitrogen top dressing by inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in the crop. This is equivalent to a potential reduction in production costs of around R$119,19/ha, that is, more than US$0,5 billion for the country, considering the 22,51 million hectares of corn planted.

For the executive director of the National Association of Inoculant Producers and Importers (Anpii), Solon Cordeiro de Araújo, the agricultural environment is increasingly accepting and seeking biological inputs. "As alternative products, they are becoming farmers' first option. To maintain this scenario, it is necessary to continue with a strong research and development scheme, providing products with even greater efficiency for rural producers", he considers.

Some obstacles still need to be overcome in Brazil, he highlights, especially considering niches that misuse biological inputs, which require care in their application for greater efficiency. Currently, of the 130 million doses of biological inoculants sold in the country, around 80% are destined for soybean cultivation, followed by corn and wheat. The proposal is that other cultures also benefit, and research results are fundamental in this context.

"In addition to politically representing the inoculants sector in the political and regulatory sphere, Anpii has extensive cooperation work with research areas, aiming for new and more efficient products", he explains. The executive director also highlights the development of scientific research in the form of a Technological Strategic Alliance, which brings together all companies undergoing studies in the pre-competitive phase.

Sustainable Agriculture

Mariangela highlights that Brazil is internationally recognized as the country that benefits most from the use of microorganisms in agriculture. One of the challenges highlighted by the researcher is to better reach and serve small producers and make products available for other crops.

For her, the scenario indicates a constant search for innovation on the part of researchers, industry and public representatives in the legislature, who must monitor and encourage good manufacturing practices.