Embrapa Soja launches online course on DRES methodology

The course on Rapid Soil Structure Diagnosis (DRES), a methodology developed by Embrapa Soja and Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) is available on Embrapa's online training platform, called e-Campo. The course was launched during SafraTec 2023, held on January 18th and 19th, in Floresta (PR), an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Cocamar cooperative and the 50th anniversary of Embrapa.

The objective of the course is to make participants capable of carrying out soil diagnosis, based on the criteria proposed by the DRES methodology and recommending appropriate management for each situation. The course is aimed at agricultural technicians, agronomists, producers, teachers and undergraduate and technical students.

With a 16-hour workload, the content is divided into six modules. Embrapa suggests that the participant complete the course within 30 days, counting from the date the course opens to everyone (30/01/2023). Registration for participation in the course can be made via course website.

DRES Methodology

Soil structure is an essential component of fertility, because it influences the physical, chemical and biological behavior of the soil, supporting agricultural productivity. Until the development of DRES, the structure of the surface layers of the soil had been evaluated using quantitative methods that were difficult to apply and interpret in field conditions. “DRES was developed to meet the specificities of monitoring Brazilian soil quality, quickly and easily. In addition to facilitating diagnosis and improving the criteria for decision-making on the adoption of management practices that improve the structural quality of the soil”, evaluates researcher Henrique Debiasi, from Embrapa Soja, one of the course instructors.

Debiasi explains that DRES is a method of visual assessment of soil structure that takes into account the quality of soil aggregation, based on samples from the first 25 cm. In the samples, the size and shape of the aggregates and clods, presence or absence of compaction or other type of soil degradation, shape and orientation of the cracks, roughness of the rupture faces, resistance to rupture, distribution and appearance of the root system are observed. , and evidence of biological activity. Based on these criteria, a score from 1 to 6 is assigned, in which “6” indicates the best structural condition, and “1” represents completely degraded soil.

According to the researcher, sample collection must be carried out on different plots of land on the property and subdivided according to the history of the area and the type of soil and texture. “The process is very simple, because the producer, when looking at the sample, can already identify whether the soil is degraded or not”, explains Debiasi.

The method also assists in the decision-making process in relation to actions to correct or improve the quality of soil management in agricultural areas, with emphasis on those cultivated in a direct planting system (SPD). “It is also important to highlight that this methodology helps to identify the most appropriate management for different situations and can be used to identify the practices that best conserve soil and water”, he highlights.

Development

DRES is one of the results of the Solo Vivo Research Network. Among the institutions that participated in the development of the method are: the State University of Londrina (UEL), the Brazilian Federation of Direct Planting and Irrigation (FEBRAPDP), Embrapa Solos (RJ), Embrapa Soja (PR), Embrapa Trigo (RS) and Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste (MS), with support from Itaipu Binacional, co-financier of the network.

Service

Online course: DRES - Rapid Diagnosis of Soil Structure

Workload: 16h

Investment: R$40,00

Registration and information on the website: www.embrapa.br/e-campo/diagnostico-rapido-da-estrutura-do-solo-dres