Organomineral requires fine-tuning in application.

The rise in prices of chemical fertilizers intensifies the search for alternatives that maintain nutritional efficiency and control costs. In this scenario, organomineral fertilizers are gaining ground. This technology combines mineral nutrients and an organic fraction. Technical literature classifies the product as a physical mixture or combination of mineral and organic fertilizers. The organic fraction interacts with the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil and influences nutrient dynamics over time.

Piccin Equipamentos advises that organomineral fertilizers require specific operational handling. Their physical characteristics alter the flow and stability of the dosage. Douglas Fahl Vitor, agronomist and head of innovation at the Piccin Group, states that the input exhibits distinct behavior in the field and demands an understanding of the soil and the application method.

Regulation also impacts operation. Normative Instruction No. 61/2020 defines requirements for organomineral fertilizers. For solid products, it establishes a minimum organic carbon of 8%, a maximum moisture content of 20%, and a minimum cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 80 mmolc/kg. The moisture content exceeds usual standards for granular mineral fertilizers. This factor influences fluidity, risk of caking, and flow stability in the dosing system.

physical differences

In the field, physical differences appear in particle size, density, and uniformity. Organomineral fertilizers can arrive in powder, crumb, or granulated form. Even in granulated form, they can exhibit greater variation in size and shape. The diversity of raw materials explains the fluctuation. This variation interferes with the flow and regularity of the flow rate from the reservoir to the distribution system.

According to Fahl, higher humidity and lower uniformity increase the likelihood of tunneling, bridging, and discharge fluctuations. He warns that producers should not repeat adjustments used with chemical fertilizers. This practice tends to lead to irregular application and loss of efficiency.

The operation requires more sensitive adjustments. In broadcast equipment, the product response changes with variations in humidity and particle size. In in-line systems, consistency depends on flow stability and rate control on the conveyor or dosing unit.

Specific blades

Piccin recommends specific spray blades for organic, corrective, and organomineral fertilizers in broadcast application. The company points out that, in localized application, dose stability depends on the correct adjustment of the system speed. Calibration needs to occur more frequently. Changes in humidity between batches and storage conditions impact the actual application rate.

The effective working range depends on the adjustment between dose, speed, and distribution pattern. The company reports that small variations in settings and product can reduce the predicted range and compromise uniformity. The result includes areas with deficiency and excess within the same plot. This effect increases intra-area variability and makes management decisions more difficult.

Distributor configuration

In the engineering section, Fahl cites the Piccin Precision Conveyor as a system developed to maintain regularity in the transport and distribution of different classes of inputs. He states that the distributor's configuration can alternate between mineral fertilizers and soil amendments or organomineral fertilizers, in addition to options for under-canopy and localized application.

The presence of chemical fractions and contact of residues in the equipment require post-operation cleaning and preventive maintenance. Recommendations include periodic inspections of tracks, discs, blades, floor, bearings, and wear components, as well as use within the conditions indicated by the manufacturer.

In the medium and long term, the performance of organomineral fertilizers depends on their interaction with the soil and the history of management practices. Technical publications from Embrapa indicate that organic matter influences physical, chemical, and physical-hydric properties and acts as a substrate for soil biota.

Fahl highlights the advancement of soil diagnostics based on clay type. This approach increases the accuracy in reading nutrient retention, water dynamics, and interaction with soil amendments and fertilizers. He states that producers can adjust dosages, choose nutrient sources, and increase operational efficiency.