Tobacco sector strengthens soil conservation actions

The Protected Soil Project, developed in partnership by the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), is now part of the portfolio of more than 60 initiatives by SindiTabaco member companies focused on environmental preservation. The commitment and awareness of producers is already yielding good results: currently, 74% adopt soil conservation practices.

A survey conducted by SindiTabaco among member companies reveals that almost 75% of tobacco producers employ preservation methods in soil preparation. This number is expected to grow even more with the launch of a new initiative in the sector, aimed at guiding farmers on the importance of preserving the soil.

Called the Protected Soil Project, the work consists of a technical cooperation between Embrapa and SindiTabaco, which will select and diagnose properties representative of tobacco production in the southern region of Brazil. Intervention actions will be proposed based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and key indicators will be monitored, aiming to protect, conserve or recover the soil.

Today, tobacco farmers adopt a variety of conservation practices, from correcting soil pH with limestone and loosening the soil when necessary, to preparing ridges over the straw of a cover crop, such as oats or rye. This strategy reduces water erosion, preventing the loss of topsoil in unfavorable weather conditions. The Protected Soil Project also aims to test and disseminate other practices, such as mixing cover crops and analyzing the carbon present in the soil of participating properties.

According to agricultural engineer and technical advisor at SindiTabaco, Fernanda Viana Bender, in addition to benefiting the environment, good agricultural practices directly impact crop results. “Proper use of the soil optimizes the use of nutrients. The better cared for and protected the soil is, the greater the crop’s productive potential will be and, consequently, the better the financial results. Therefore, soil protection and conservation should be seen as a true investment for the producer,” she emphasizes.