Fertiláqua clarifies the differences between physiological management and nutritional management

During the last few months, Fertiláqua has carried out online broadcasts with representatives of its technical staff to discuss the main points of agriculture and assist producers with tips and guidance that, until then, were given in the field. One of the Lives “DM em Campo” had as its main theme: Physiological management x nutritional management. Experts Fernando Bacilieri and Elton Hizuka participated in the meeting and the mediation was carried out by Fertiláqua's development manager, Deyvid Bueno.

Opening the discussion, Elton Hizuka, market development coordinator at Fertiláqua, explained the difference between the two managements: nutritional deals with the supply of necessary elements and physiological deals with the tools on how to make the plant “work” better. 

Consultant Fernando Bacilieri clarified that nutrition management begins with the monitoring and nutritional survey necessary for each crop. The expected productivity is defined, the levels of elements in the soil are observed and what must be done to achieve the set objective. “There are 17 elements that plants use. Three of them – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – are obtained naturally and the 14 are our responsibility to supply.”

To achieve maximum potential, the application of biostimulant products to improve plant functioning is necessary. “Physiological management has some main challenges: understanding that at each stage of development, the plant has a specific need; In the initial establishment, for example, the objective is to form roots and structure the plant. In the vegetative stage, there are some critical stages such as flower fixation and grain filling. We need to understand what process the plant is carrying out and how we can promote it”, says Bacilieri. 

According to Hizuka, to work on both management practices together, you must first have balanced nutrition, so that the plant has the nutrients to grow and develop. From there, we work with other tools, such as biostimulants, which are substances that favor the plant, improving its physiological and nutritional characteristics, from germination to grain filling, to obtain better performance. “With a well-nourished base, the plant becomes stronger and more vigorous. This way it is possible to stimulate it to deliver more productivity.” 

However, Bacilieri highlights that it is essential to know the objective of the application that will be made. “There are several tools. If the desire is to stimulate rooting, this is one application, if it is to alleviate stress, it is another specific application. Understanding the objective will define what to use, how much and when to apply it and what is expected from this management”. 

The professional also warns that each culture has its specific requirements. “In RR soybeans, manganese is needed to give the leaf more hardness. The producer wants to save money by not applying manganese or reducing the amount, and in practice he sees a deficient plant that is more susceptible to attack by pests and diseases. In cotton, boron is the second micronutrient required. Foliar supplementation is stimulating and favors the development of the roots and shoots,” he comments.