Soil mapping identifies microorganisms that favor agricultural productivity in Goiás

The startup Biome4All has been mapping Brazilian soils with its Agro Bioma Brasil program. After completion of the first cycle of the project, microbial functionality and a higher frequency of two bacteria were identified in areas of high productivity, compared to areas of low productivity. The study was carried out on properties with soybean cultivation, in the state of Goiás. 38 samples collected in regions with productivity of 60 to 95 bags/ha were evaluated.

According to Estácio Odisi, project leader at Biome4all, an increase in the synthesis of salicylic acid was identified. “The production of salicylic acid is linked to the plant’s adaptation process to water and saline stress, making it more tolerant to drought and in places with high salinity”, he explains.

Furthermore, the bacteria that were most common in areas of highest productivity were the genera Arthrobacter and Rhizobium. “The bacterium Arthrobacter is a plant growth promoter, and only occurs in aerated soils. Bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, on the other hand, are highly linked to the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a nutrient that plants demand in large quantities”, explains Odisi.

With this data, it is possible to plan for managing the characteristics of soils that have low productivity. “In less productive areas, there was an increase in the potential of two microbial functions - sulfur reduction and phosphorus consumption by microorganisms. The sulfur reduction process carried out by microorganisms reduces the availability of this nutrient for plants. It is worth remembering that this element is very important for soybean cultivation, as if it is lacking, the plants experience reductions in growth and productivity. The reduction in sulfur occurs mainly in waterlogged and compacted soils, and with pH levels close to neutral”, advises Odisi.

The high consumption of phosphorus by microorganisms is often correlated with the high availability of this nutrient in the soil. In a way, this induces the establishment of a microbial community with opportunistic organisms, which grow rapidly in biomass. “This study highlighted the importance of microbial processes for soybean productivity. Such indicators can be monitored over time so that producers can achieve higher levels of productivity in their crops.”

Agro Bioma Brazil

This is the largest genetic mapping project for Brazilian soil, which will evaluate around 5 million hectares of cultivable soil in the country in three years. The objective of the survey is to provide information on gains in efficiency and agricultural productivity, through input management strategies based on knowledge of soil genetics.