Study proves effectiveness of using new technology to combat drought

In one of the driest summers in Rio Grande Sul, hit by drought for the third consecutive time, some producers in the north of the state verified how plants can use phytosterols and thrive. Even with serious impacts caused by water deficit, soil compaction, extreme temperature and high light intensity, nodulation in soybean roots was just one of the factors that confirmed the results of the test carried out in a soybean crop in the Não-Me region. Tap (RS).

Soybean and corn crops from the 2022/2023 harvest were part of experimental work with several research institutions and different areas at field level, facing difficulties together with farmers, implementing and adapting the tool for the Brazilian market. Responsible for Marketing and Sales at Elicit Plant Brasil, Felipe Sulzbach describes that the results are consistent, at the same levels when comparing results in the United States and Europe. “According to partial research results, through the reduction of losses caused by abiotic stresses, the technology demonstrates results with significant increases with the use of Phytosterol, with a 9% and 7,4% increase in corn and soybean crops respectively. ”, he details.

In the case mentioned, several characteristics of the treated plants were observed, such as greater nodulation in the root. The soybean plant was 5 centimeters longer, that is, a 13% increase, in the flowering stage. Felipe Sulzbach visited the property and photographed the two plants (two seedlings). The presence of nodules in greater quantity and activity proves the action of bacteria that fix nitrogen, forming nodules. It is called the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Nitrogen is one of the fundamental nutrients for soybean cultivation and is present at all stages of the plant's development. “The fresh mass of the plant was also measured by +6,6%, the weight of roots by +17% and the number of nodes by +9% in the evaluations, with significant results in the treated area. With the start of the harvest, the difference is significant”, highlights Sulzbach.

The same results can be observed in corn cultivation, in work also carried out in the region. Plants are more resistant to drought, showing that the stomatal activity of plants does not cease, even with high temperatures and water restrictions. This way the plant continues to develop, resulting in greater productivity. “Farmers through knowledge build crop productivity, for this they need to understand the plant and the environment, this is a necessity, since with techniques and adjustments we can withstand adverse abiotic conditions while maintaining production rates and profitability”, highlights Karol Czelusniak, responsible for Market Development at Elicit Plant Brasil.

According to him, research work with farmers must continue until the harvest is completed. Czelusniak emphasizes that Phytosterol has proven to be a unique, organic and effective solution in reducing the impacts caused by abiotic stress, such as water stress, acting through molecules of plant origin that help optimize water consumption, alleviating water stress in the plant, helping them to express their productive potential.