Embrapa Hortaliças shows research on direct planting systems and unconventional vegetables

The research of the Embrapa Vegetables on the Direct Vegetable Planting System will be presented in the Company's space at 26th Hortitec – Technical Exhibition of Horticulture, Protected Cultivation and Intensive Crops, which takes place from June 26th to 28th, in Holambra (SP). This conservation system is an agricultural practice that contributes to soil conservation and water savings, in addition to minimizing the effects of climate change.

In the same space, the public will have access to some species of vegetables that are part of the Non-Conventional Food Plants (PANCs), which have, among their characteristics, spontaneous growth. These plants attract attention due to their nutritional value, low production cost and are generally linked to the culinary tradition of a region. Some of these PANCs were consumed since ancient times by Greeks and Egyptians.

Conservation and productivity

The Direct Planting System is established in grain production and for several years Embrapa has been carrying out research to recommend the SPD in the cultivation of vegetables. This work, promoted in partnership with technical assistance and rural extension companies and cooperatives, has enabled the adoption of SPDH in vegetable growing areas in the southeast region and in the states of Goiás, Santa Catarina, Paraná, in addition to the Federal District. 

SPDH is based on three principles: crop rotation with the inclusion of cover crops, responsible for straw production; localized soil disturbance, restricted to planting lines or holes; and permanent soil cover. The adoption of SPDH is recommended for different profiles of farmers with the advantage of reconciling high levels of productivity, reduction in production costs and preservation of the environment.

A fundamental issue in adopting this system in vegetable cultivation is the correct choice of cover crops. Research by Embrapa Hortaliças has allowed us to identify the most appropriate brassica vegetables (arugula, kale, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower); cucurbits (pumpkin and melon) and nightshades (tomato, eggplant, jilo, pepper and pepper) and for onion. Among the benefits that have been obtained from adopting this system are a reduction of up to 80% in the use of machines; increase in soil organic matter; reduction in production costs; significant savings in irrigation and reduction of temperature peaks in the soil. 

Comparative research carried out over a period of six years showed that the direct planting system in vegetable production accumulates, per hectare of crops, five tons more carbon in the soil than the conventional system. This data allows us to infer that direct planting is a tool capable of mitigating atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions from horticulture. 

PANCs 

Embrapa Hortaliças maintains a collection of non-conventional vegetable germplasm with more than 50 species, which allows for rich genetic variability for the purpose of conservation and preservation of these plants. Researcher Nuno Madeira says that PANCs are found in various parts of the world and there are species in practically all regions of Brazil. However, the population's lack of knowledge about the possibilities of use and nutritional potential prevents them from making people's eating habits. 

At the 26th Hortitec, Embrapa will provide information about plants such as sorrel which, found more easily from Rio Grande do Sul to Minas Gerais, is often used to replace lettuce and has the advantage of not requiring lemon in the salad. The public will learn about nasturtium, which is one of the most consumed edible flowers in Brazil, with a slightly spicy flavor reminiscent of watercress. A nasturtium It is rich in carotenoids, especially lutein, an important compound for preventing vision-related diseases. Plants will also be on display amaranth and caruru, purslane, mangarito  e little fish.

Service

26th Hortitec - Technical Exhibition on Horticulture, Protected Cultivation and Intensive Crops 

Date: June 26th to 28th, 2019 

Time: 26th and 27th, from 9am to 19pm; and the 28th, from 9am to 17pm. 

Location: Embrapa stand at Expoflora (Holambra/SP)