Public research and extension highlight good agricultural practices in SuperAgro

Embrapa Soja, the Agronomic Institute of Paraná (Iapar) and Emater-PR will highlight some of the good agricultural practices for the countryside, the main advances in research and the role of science in agriculture, during SuperAgro, an event promoted by Agro100 , from January 16th to 18th, in Londrina (PR). In the Science and Technology Space, institutions will demonstrate how research and public rural extension are working together to present results to producers. 

Among the technologies that will be presented are: inoculation, coinoculation, pesticide application technologies, nematode management and advantages of intercropping corn with brachiaria, in addition to the positive results of adopting Integrated Soy Management in Paraná, which reduced by almost 50% the application of insecticides. Those who visit the Science and Technology Space will also be able to purchase technical publications from different areas of agriculture and compete for publication kits.

DRES -   One of the highlights will be the presentation of the Rapid Soil Structure Diagnosis (DRES), an innovative method for visually assessing the surface structure of tropical and subtropical soils, launched in 2017 by Embrapa and the State University of Londrina. According to Embrapa Soja researcher Henrique Debiasi, soil structure is an essential component of fertility, because it influences the physical, chemical and biological behavior of the soil, supporting agricultural productivity.  

Until now in Brazil, the structure of the surface layers of the soil had been evaluated using quantitative methods that did not characterize it precisely and were difficult to apply and interpret in field conditions. “DRES was developed to meet the specificities of monitoring Brazilian soil quality quickly and easily. Our aim is to facilitate diagnosis and improve the criteria for decision-making on the adoption of management practices that improve the structural quality of the soil”, assesses Debiasi. 

According to the researcher, research data shows, for example, that soil scarification, when carried out unnecessarily, in addition to increasing production costs, can lead to loss of productivity. “Therefore, we hope that the DRES will contribute to improving the assessment of the physical quality of the soil and serve to support the decision-making process regarding the most appropriate soil management”, he says. 

The method - 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 should 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 DRES identifies the most important diagnostic parameters and indicates the best management to be adopted for the property”, says Debiasi. 

 For the researcher, DRES enables technicians and rural producers to recognize the effects of different production systems on the structural conditions of the soil. 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 will help identify the most appropriate management for different situations and can be used to identify practices that best conserve soil and water”, he highlights.

Event Service: Science and Technology Space at SuperAgro Date: January 16th to 18th Location: Rodovia Luiz Beraldi/ Km3 (Estrada da Cegonha) / Londrina (PR)