Fertilizer with biotechnology can enhance the effects of fertilizers and reduce production costs

A research project led by the University of Passo Fundo (UPF) in conjunction with the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), combines the vocation of a region of the state with the development of a solution for the agricultural sector and environmental preservation. The study is developing a biochar (a plant-based charcoal) from waste from grape processing in the wine industry, which will be used to retain beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This product, when added to chemical fertilizers, can reduce the quantities needed in fertilizer applications on crops.

The initiative is a partnership with the companies Adubos Coxilha and Beifiur Ltda, and has the support of the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, through the Techfuturo program.

In biochar, microorganisms that promote plant growth are immobilized. By incorporating this material into chemical fertilizers, the release of nutrients to the plantations occurs synergistically, enhancing their effects and making it possible, according to future tests, to reduce the dosage of conventional chemical fertilizers, imported inputs on which Brazil is quite dependent.

The researcher responsible for the project at UPF, Jeferson Steffanello Piccin, says that the idea arose within the university's postgraduate laboratories and from a need for both rural producers and industry, since the destination of peels, seeds and Grape pomace are a challenge for the wine sector. “We aligned the proposal to take the part of microorganisms and bio-inputs, researched at the company Beifuir, and combine it with the part of conventional fertilizers from the company Adubos Coxilha. And based on this collaboration, we intend to deliver a solution that makes a difference in crops and also contributes to the environment”, explains the professor, who is a food engineer and has a PhD in Chemical Engineering.

He remembers that, when the companies were approached to establish a partnership, both accepted immediately. “We see that we, as professors and researchers at educational institutions, have to get closer to industries and the productive sector, since it is possible to carry out innovative research and deliver to the sector, in addition to knowledge, new solutions, processes and technologies” , observes.

Connection between university and countryside

The project has three phases. The first is the development of biochar. Next, the microorganisms will be immobilized in the “coal” developed. Finally, the product will be added to the fertilizer for field tests, which will be carried out at the University of Passo Fundo, on cultivars such as wheat, soybeans and vegetables. Criteria such as product purity, concentration and shelf life will be analyzed, in addition to evaluating agronomic efficiency in the greenhouse and in the field.

PhD candidate involved in the project, Flávia Melara highlights that the study proposes an innovative way of introducing this technology into the field. “In crops such as corn and wheat, for example, the new product can allow control to be applied at the ideal period, ensuring that nutrients are better utilized by the plants, generating more productivity and even reducing the doses applied over time. ”, he points out. She adds that the challenge is to ensure that the microorganisms remain viable when immobilized in biochar and maintain high concentration and purity until field application.

Partnership to accelerate processes

Beifiur Ltda has research laboratories, a biofactory and an organic fertilizer production line where part of the research with microorganisms and biochar from grape waste is carried out. For Valdecir Ferrari, managing partner, the study is in line with the company's objective of placing less toxic products on the market that are more beneficial to the environment. “Research is challenging. We shoot in several areas and we don't always get it right. But with the sum of efforts and with persistence, technical and scientific vision, it is possible to speed up development time and make the product reach the consumer faster, guaranteeing economic, environmental and social sustainability”, he highlights.

Adubos Coxilha has a technical team that will assist from the production of fertilizer with biotechnology to field testing of this new technology. Furthermore, the production of fertilizers in larger volumes will be carried out at its plant located in Tapejara. “The project is innovative and represents what the company seeks, which is to offer rural producers fertilizers with technology that improve the productivity of their crops. We hope for a positive impact, as we will certainly be contributing to the development of agriculture that is increasingly sustainable and committed to preserving the environment”, says Gilberto Borgo, vice-president of Adubos Coxilha.

external dependency

In addition to making it difficult to import fertilizers, the war in Ukraine also caused prices for these products to soar. For soybean producers, for example, the cost of these inputs has tripled. In March, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) launched the National Fertilizer Plan, with the aim of reducing dependence on imported inputs and promoting self-sufficiency for the sector in the long term. The idea is to reach this level in 30 years. Today, between 70% and 80% of fertilizers used on Brazilian soil are imported. These products represent 30% to 40% of agribusiness production costs.