CESB Research Network points out tangible opportunities for productive gains in the main soybean producing states

Imagine a Research Network formed by a group of researchers, foundations, universities, consultants and research centers, distributed throughout the country, who evaluate hypotheses on how to increase the average productivity of Soybean crops in a profitable and sustainable way.

This Network exists and is led by the Brazilian Soy Strategic Committee (CESB), since 2014, with the main objective of identifying the productive factors that are associated with the increase in soybean productivity in Brazil.

Recently, the Research Network presented a study, with data collected in more than 1.900 areas, over a period of eight years. The conclusion is that there is a tangible opportunity for productive gain in the main soybean producing states, such as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Bahia and Piauí. This is because in the areas used in this study, which are spread across these 10 Brazilian states, the average productivity was 31% higher than that recorded by the National Supply Company (CONAB).

According to Veranice Borges, the Research Network focuses on studying various factors that contribute to productivity, as well as the relationship between them in different production environments. “We obtained a great diversity and quantity of information, which will allow us to strengthen the concepts of good agricultural practices to obtain maximum sustainable soybean productivity. This information could contribute not only to soybean farming but to the entire production system.”

João Pascoalino, one of the professionals who coordinated the Research Network, adds that the size of the productive opportunity is the result of research being put into practice and generating better and greater quality and assertiveness of agricultural practices in the field, respectively.

“From this perspective, some of the main factors that contribute to increasing productivity or increasing production expectations are related to knowing the production environment, evaluating the plant’s development profile according to the genetic material planted, adopting crop rotation, carrying out correcting the soil in depth, ensuring good availability of nutrients in the soil throughout the crop cycle, planning balanced plant nutrition following the logic of plant use and providing effective control of pests and diseases to maintain the built productive potential” , analyzes Pascoalino, together with Luiz Antonio da Silva (CESB Executive Director), Ernesto Shiozaki (CESB Technical Assistant) and Veranice Borges (CESB Technical Coordinator).

Sergio Abud da Silva, biologist at Embrapa and member of CESB, observes that the synergism between agronomic efficiency and climate efficiency, in each production environment, are responsible for the high productivity obtained in the CESB record holder areas.

“We know that the climate cannot change. However, the CESB Research Network has already observed that there are some agronomic choices that are in the hands of producers: construction of a deep soil profile, choice of adapted genetics, plant arrangement and the mitigation of productivity-reducing factors, such as abiotic and biotic stresses (weeds, pests and diseases)”, adds the CESB member.

According to Abud, the productive potential of soybeans is very high. “It is estimated that we can reach 200 bags per hectare. We have already reached yields close to 150 sc/ha, but, to surpass this record, we will need to look for new alternatives and use practices different from those we have been using. With this, we will soon be harvesting, with sustainability and eco-efficiency, new records in the CESB Maximum Soy Productivity Challenge and in commercial crops in Brazil”, points out Abud

Veranice Borges adds that, in the coming years, the Research Network will continue to develop research protocols aimed at increasing agricultural efficiency and the sustainability of production systems in the different regions of the country, with a focus on innovations in management and the use of new technologies.

The Research Network has 25 partner institutions and companies. They are: Agrimax, Agrodynamics, Agroensaio Pesquisa e Consultoria Agronômica LTDA, AR Consultoria Agronomica, Copacol, ESALQ, Falker, Fundação Bahia, Fundação Chapadão, Fundação MS, Fundação Rio Verde, Girassol, GMics, IBRA, ICL, Instituto Phytus, Rehagro, Semear, Sementes Aurora, SNP Consultoria, Soma Consultoria Agronômica, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Paraná, Federal University of Vales dos Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, and Federal Technological University of Paraná.

CESB was created with the aim of offering a regional and national environment that encourages soybean farmers and technical consultants to challenge their knowledge by encouraging the development of innovative cultivation practices. CESB is made up of 19 members and 30 sponsoring entities: BASF, BAYER, SYNGENTA, UPL, FMC, JACTO, Mosaic, Superbac, Corteva, Elevagro, Eurochem Fertilizandos, ICL, ATTO Sementes, Stoller, Timac Agro, Brasmax, Stara, Datafarm , Somar Serviços Agro, Ubyfol, Fortgreen, KWS, Yara, Sumitomo Chemical, FT Seeds, Biotrop, Koppert, Massey Ferguson and IBRA.