Soy production generates income and improves soil for sugarcane field renewal

With the purpose of presenting production systems that aim to include soybeans and improve restrictive environments for sugarcane production, a Field Day was held at Fazenda Soebe (Caarapó/MS). The event, whose theme was “Technology for soy production in the renewal of sugarcane fields in restrictive environments”, was held through a partnership between Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste, Agrícola NovAmérica and Total Biotecnologia.

Soybean and sugarcane producers, NovAmérica technicians, partner companies and professionals in the field checked on site the soybean crop in an area of ​​sandy soil, which was traditionally used for livestock farming and is being converted into a sugarcane area. “Soybean cultivation associated with the application of soil acidity correctors and planting of brachiaria for abundant production of roots and straw, contributes to the construction of the chemical profile and structuring of the soil, which benefits sugarcane cultivation”, explains Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste researcher, Cesar José da Silva.

“One of the objectives of the research carried out by Embrapa in this location is to recommend ways to contribute to the improvement of sugarcane production environments in sandy soils with low fertility. For this purpose, doses of corrective agents and fertilizers are evaluated, as well as how they are incorporated into the soil, combined with conservationist soil preparation practices and the use of crop rotation with grains, green manures, among others”, he explains.

The agronomist responsible for coordinating soybean production at NovAmérica Agrícola de Caarapó, Jayme W. Eich, says that soybean production for the renewal of sugarcane fields is a practice that has been used by the company with good results. He highlights the benefits of this crop rotation, such as: breaking the cycle of pests and diseases, biological nitrogen fixation, improvement of the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil, increased sugarcane productivity, greater longevity of the sugarcane field and the possibility of directly planting sugar cane in soybean straw, avoiding the need to turn over the soil. “Without a doubt, soy is a new source of income for the sector that combines sustainable practices”, adds Eich.

At the event, through field visits and lectures, the potential of soybean cultivars, forms and doses of inoculation and management strategies that minimize risks were demonstrated.