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The main products developments in South America by Dr. Martín Torres Duggan
April 17, 2024
The Dr. Martín Torres Duggan agronomist, MS and PhD in Soil Science and Natural Resources on the Fertilizer Latino Americano 2024 explained featured trends in bio stimulant use across global and Latam markets.
We share with you a summary of his presentation
Global level
- Growing demand for biological or “natural” products.
- Demand of ag inputs obtained in a sustainable manner, taking care of natural resources (e.g. soil, water, etc.).
- Circular Economy as a new emerging Paradigm particularly in Europe associated With geopolitical issues (e.g. Ukraine-Russia conflict).
- Global concern on climate change and the key role of biosolutions as a mitigation strategy.
Latam region.
- Growing demand for biological products associated with cropped land expansion (field crops and intensive crops).
- Agriculture intensification under no till management systems (e.g. Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay).
- Upward trend in organic, regenerative and related production systems.
- Regulatory systems boosting bio inputs demand in some countries (e.g. Brazil and Chile) or constraining usage (most Latam countries).
- Increasing frequency and severity of extreme climate events (e.g. droughts, floods, etc.)
Key takeaways
- Meta analyses published in scientific literature are showing consistent effects of biostimulants for field crops, particularly under soils with low fertility (e.g. low OM, low available P or K).
- Bio stimulant application is cost-effective considering mean yield responses.
- BioSolutions are being used as eco innovation to improve agroecosystem sustainability (e.g. low C and water footprint).
- Boom in biofertilizers and bio stimulant usage driven by end consumers demanding “natural products” or products obtained taking care of the environment, however supply companies not always offer a clear, consistent and science-based proposition value for farmers.
- Although we are facing a fascinating revolution in the field of soil microbiome, more and better research and interaction between disciplines (e.g. within Soil Sciences and Plant physiology/Nutrition areas), is needed to develop biological indicators to assess soil quality and health and offer consistent tools for growers on this matter.