​The challenges for soil conservation versus high productivity

One of the slowly renewable natural resources in nature, considered the main supplier of water and nutrients for agriculture, often appears threatened. According to a study carried out jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Embrapa, 33% of soils in the world are degraded. This is where an alert is raised about the role of agriculture in trying to contribute to reversing this scenario.

A measure that appears essential to reduce impacts is crop rotation with the use of cover crops in the off-season combined with nitrogen fertilization. “The use of polycultures during the winter, or off-season, is a way to diversify and reduce the pressure of pests and diseases, in addition to biologically decompacting the soil and promoting nutrient cycling. We have to consider that new soybean cultivars have a high productive potential, requiring an environment favorable to the maximum expression of their genetic load”, explains agronomist Telmo Amado.

Repeatedly affected by the El Niño phenomenon, Rio Grande do Sul, one of the main agricultural states in Brazil, has its activity impacted by heavy rains that often end up washing away large volumes of input and fertilizer applications, one of the most high in the crop. “In the case of Southern Brazil, special care must be given to the autumn period (post-soybean harvest), when residue decomposition is rapid and rain can cause erosion”, he highlights.

And, in a year in which Brazil is once again confirming a record harvest, with an estimated national production of 230,3 million tons, compared to 184 million tons in the previous harvest, producers' concerns regarding high production costs do not was relieved by the good numbers. “If there is a need to reduce investment, this has to be done with planning, avoiding cutting inputs that could represent a significant decrease in productivity and revenue. It is important to seek efficiency in a scenario like this”, warns the agronomist.

According to Amado, precision agriculture can be a great ally in this scenario, helping with management and decision-making so that the rationalization of inputs is carried out on a technical basis. “We must remember that many practices, such as sowing care, have a low cost and high return. The goal is to seek efficiency”, he adds.

All these concerns will be debated during the fourth edition of the Seminar A Voz do Campo, which takes place from July 31st to August 2nd at the Hotel Wish Serrano in Gramado, Serra Gaúcha. The “Management for High Productivity” panel is scheduled to take place on August 8st at 40:XNUMX am.

Doctor in Soil Science and professor at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Amado has already received the “Highlight Award” at Expodireto in Não-Me-Toque (RS) and was recognized in the “Best of the Earth” competition, in the category Researcher during Expointer, in Esteio (RS). With 160 scientific articles published and more than 50 postgraduate students supervised, the researcher works with a focus on soil management, fertility and technological innovation for efficiency and productivity.

The Voz do Campo Seminar will have three days filled with lectures, technical information, fairs, debates, relationships and market projections, bringing together the best agribusiness experts in the country. The event is a promotion of the program A Voz do Campo, which is part of the programming of the largest agricultural radio network in Brazil and has the support of AgroBravo.

Check out the full schedule on the event website: www.avozdocampo.com.brText: