XII Gape Expedition takes students to the field in Southern Brazil

The 12th Gape Expedition (Research and Extension Support Group), an initiative organized by the Soil Science Department of the Luiz de Queiroz Higher School of Agriculture (Esalq/USP), begins on January 12th. This edition is in partnership with PI AgSciences, a company that recently incorporated Plant Health Care (PHC).

The expedition involves undergraduate students in Agronomic Engineering on a two-week technical itinerary, focusing on irrigated agriculture in Southern Brazil. Throughout the journey, participants will visit farms, consulting firms, seed companies, and cooperatives, with the goal of deepening their practical knowledge of plant nutrition, soil fertility, and fertilizer management.

During field activities, students will be exposed to different production systems and technologies applied to agriculture, including solutions focused on sustainability and efficient soil and crop management. The itinerary allows them to observe, in practice, plant protection and biostimulation strategies adopted in different production contexts.

Conceived by Professor Dr. Godofredo Cesar Vitti, the XII GAPE Expedition will take place between January 12th and 25th, covering approximately 4.000 kilometers. The students will be accompanied by Professors Dr. Rafael Otto and Dr. Tiago Tezotto, passing through the states of São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul.

Along the route, participants will observe representative crops of the region, such as soybeans, beans, irrigated rice, tobacco, and apples. The aim is to provide a practical and technical open-air experience, aligned with the challenges and innovations of regional agriculture.