Producers are concerned about micronutrients and are betting on soil biofortification

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), increased purchasing power and greater access to and consumption of food can lead to problems related to food security. A phenomenon already identified in Europe and Central Asia shows that, even with greater access to food, there are nutritional deficiencies in individuals. It became evident that, even though malnutrition has been overcome, there is still a deficiency of micronutrients.

In Brazil, the scenario is not very different. According to the entity, the economic crisis, rising unemployment and the lack of an adequate food security program could increase the number of malnourished people. The latest FAO survey shows that 2,5% of the Brazilian population is in this situation and that more than 800 million people in developing countries are malnourished. The lack of dietary diversity or food shortages are some of the characteristics of malnutrition. In addition to these, the absence of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) in essential foods, such as rice, wheat and corn, also contributes to this scenario. Yoorin Fertilizers agronomist Vinádio Bega believes that new technologies can help food to be biofortified.

"Micronutrients are extremely important for the population. The low concentration of vitamin A, iron, zinc and iodine, for example, are responsible for changes in the immune system, decreased resistance to infectious diseases, anemia, changes in brain development and even even with the increase in infant and maternal mortality", says Vinádio.

Agriculture can reverse this situation right from the plantation. After a chemical analysis of the soil, possible micronutrient deficiencies in the region can be identified. As a result, some strategies are now being adopted, such as the use of premium, gradual-release fertilizers that do not involve chemical processes in their production – a type of input that causes less impact on the environment.

"For a long time we have observed a movement of farmers concerned only with increasing productivity. Today this has changed: we are observing consumers who are more critical and selective in their nutritional choices, and this is also reflected in the field", assesses the agronomist.

The use of excessive chemical pesticides, without care on the part of the producer, and irresponsible soil preparation can end up depleting the micronutrients necessary for a healthy and differentiated food. However, realizing this reality, producers began to better analyze aspects related to soil nutrition. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, from the University of Oxford (USA), proved that, in order to biofortify the final product, we must change the entire chain, going through genetic biofortification of the seed and agronomic biofortification in order to obtain food rich in micronutrients. "Producers automatically carry out the genetic selection of the best seedlings. This is already an important step, but to increase mineral levels through agronomic practices, there are several options, including those that do not impact the environment", he recalls. Vinádio.

The use of premium fertilizers is essential for adequate land preparation. As Brazilian soil is very acidic, some products, such as thermophosphate fertilizer, balance the pH, correcting acidity, do not harm the microbiota already present and protect phosphorus. They are also insoluble in water, which means they are only absorbed by plants when necessary, in addition to being a source of silicon, calcium, magnesium and other micronutrients.

"The silicon in magnesium thermophosphate can deform the jaws of larvae, such as the "sugarcane borer", in addition to protecting against certain types of fungi. Furthermore, a balanced level of magnesium, also present in thermophosphate, acts on the root system of plants , in chlorophyll and also in photosynthesis, making them stronger and healthier", confirms the agronomist.