Researcher points out the reduction in the nematode population with the use of properly selected ground cover plants

Nutrient management in the soybean-corn-cotton production system presents positive results with the use of properly selected soil cover plants, in relation to the reduction in the nematode population.

These results are presented by the agronomist and doctor in Soils and Plant Nutrition, Eros Francisco, who also explains that to guarantee the productive potential in production systems, the producer needs to follow some stages of diagnosis, planning and execution of management. “Diagnose the presence of a specific nematode, low or unbalanced soil fertility, inappropriate use of varieties, lack of appropriate equipment for agricultural operations or other associated factors. Develop and execute a management plan with technical monitoring and evaluation of the results obtained, correcting, when necessary, actions that did not have the expected effect”, presents the researcher.

Regarding soil nutrients, according to the expert, low or unbalanced fertility is a crucial factor for success in obtaining or maintaining high productivity. Building soil fertility is the necessary and ideal foundation for the search for greater profitability. “As long as the other production factors are well managed, fertile soil guarantees longevity to the production system and, therefore, the sustainability of the agricultural business”.

The consultant explains that there are several tools available for assessing soil fertility, such as traditional sampling, the creation of maps using aerial sensing, or the on-site identification of nutritional deficiencies with visual or laboratory analysis.

“However, so many tools can aggregate a lot of information and make it difficult to interpret factors together. Therefore, having the help of an experienced technical team or agronomic consultancy will be important to identify adjustments or practices with greater returns”, he recommends.

Aspects that may compromise the increase in soybean-corn-cotton productivity

There are several factors that can hinder or prevent the increase in productivity in the current production system and that currently affect many rural properties: soil compaction, presence of nematodes, unbalanced soil fertility, low biological activity of the soil, inappropriate use of agricultural operations and hasty decisions in properly diagnosing the problem.

Master Meeting Soya Circuit

During the Soja Master Meeting Circuit, a free and online event promoted by Proteplan, Eros Francisco will delve deeper into nutrient management in the soy-corn-cotton production system, emphasizing the dynamics of nutrients in the soil, nutrient balance and practices management that improve the efficiency of nutrient use, such as crop rotation and the use of cover crops. The debate also includes the participation of agronomist Tatiane Zambiase from Agromax, an agricultural research and development company, and professor at Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (Unesp), Pedro Soares, a specialist in nematodes. And it will be mediated by Protelan researcher, Alana Tomen. The event will be this Thursday (17th), at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), on YouTube.