The Argentine corn production could grow a 34% just by improving the doses of fertilizationaccording to data released this Monday Fertilize AC during a press breakfast.
María Fernanda González Sanjuan, Executive Director of the Association, was the one who presented this information, focusing on a chronic deficit that crops have in Argentinabut mainly corn: the performance gaps; that is, what it yields per hectare in relation to what it could achieve under ideal conditions.
According to the Fertilizar study, the average corn yield in the country is currently 7,600 kilos per hectare, almost half of what it could reach as a ceiling: 14,400 kilos.
However, for González Sanjuan, it is more realistic to think about reducing 80% of that gap; that is, reaching an average of 11,150 kilos, which is 3,900 kilos more than at present.
THE CORN DIET, IN DEBATE
Table of Contents
- 1 THE CORN DIET, IN DEBATE
- 2 THE PROFITABILITY OF FERTILIZING
- 3 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title “Boosting Argentine Corn Production: The Power of Optimized Fertilization”:
- 4 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title **Boosting Argentine Corn Production: The Power of Optimized Fertilization**:
Table of Contents
How can we reach this figure? In an ideal situation, the amount of nitrogen applied should be reduced from 70 kilos per hectare to 140; phosphorus from 14 to 36; and sulfur from 3 to 16.
In this framework, “being conservative, To reach 11,500 kilos, which is 34% more yield, the nitrogen dose would have to be increased by 50%, the phosphorus dose by 61% and the sulfur dose by 81%. With better nutritional management alone, we can add almost 4,000 kilos per hectare,” González Sanjuan explained.
The big question for producers, given this calculation, is: How much does it cost to fertilize at this time and if it is profitable?.
For the executive of Fertilizar, you have to watch the whole movie and not just a photo that invites erroneous conclusions.
Nutrient deficiency: “Phosphorus, sulfur and zinc levels are falling at a worrying rate”
He said this punctually because if one only looks at the price ratio, Historically, it took 5.1 kilos of corn to buy a kilo of phosphorus, and now it is 6 kilos. In urea, the historical average is 4.5 and currently it is 4.3.
That is to say, that The input-output relationship does not show a super favorable scenariotaking into account mainly a corn that barely reaches US$ 140 per ton at this moment.
However, González Sanjuan recalled that it is estimated that Each kilo of nitrogen applied produces between 15 and 25 kilos of grain in corn. For phosphorus, the ratio is between 25 and 65 kilos of grain for each kilo applied; and for sulfur, 45 to 95 kilos for each kilo.
THE PROFITABILITY OF FERTILIZING
The Maizar representative showed a study carried out on a field where a control was planted without fertilization that yielded 6,380 kilos per hectare, and was compared with a plot that was fertilized in a “normal” way and reached 7,550 kilos, while in one with the doses adjusted as mentioned above, it climbed to 9,650 kilos.
The producer’s “expense” would be 7 kilos of corn for nitrogen, 22 for phosphorus and another 7 for sulfur.which would leave me with a minimum gain of 18 kilos thanks to increased nitrogen nutrition, 3 for phosphorus and at least 38 for sulfur.
In terms of money, the calculation that Fertilizar presented It implies an “extra” investment of US$ 207 per hectareto incorporate 433 more kilos of fertilizer, but 2,100 more kilos are harvested, which at US$ 140 per ton means US$ 288In other words, they earn US$81 per hectare.
“For every additional $100 invested in fertilizer, I get almost $40 back.in just 6 months,” González Sanjuan summarized.
And while he focused on the fact that these are theoretical calculations and that each producer must evaluate their situation, he stressed: “We must look hard for a fertilization where the numbers do not add up”.
Therefore, his final conclusion is that It is a mistake to always wait for “the context” to improve: for example, that taxes be lowered.
“There is a lot of impact to be generated if we focus on the agronomic decisions we must makeput our energy where it pays off the most. Focus on doing more agronomy,” he concluded.
Boosting Argentine Corn Production: The Power of Optimized Fertilization
Argentina is renowned for its rich agricultural landscape, with corn being one of the country’s staple crops. However, a chronic deficit in fertilization has been hindering the crop’s full potential. Recent data released by Fertilizar AC, an Argentine fertilizer association, sheds light on the immense opportunity for growth in corn production through optimized fertilization.
The Performance Gap
Currently, the average corn yield in Argentina stands at 7,600 kilos per hectare, a far cry from the potential ceiling of 14,400 kilos per hectare [[3]]. This performance gap is primarily due to inadequate fertilization, which is a widespread issue in Argentine agriculture. María Fernanda González Sanjuan, Executive Director of Fertilizar AC, presented a study highlighting the potential for a 34% increase in corn production through improved fertilization practices.
The Ideal Fertilization Scenario
To bridge the performance gap, González Sanjuan proposed an ideal fertilization scenario, where the amount of nitrogen applied would increase from 70 kilos per hectare to 140, phosphorus from 14 to 36, and sulfur from 3 to 16. This would result in a 34% increase in yield, reaching an average of 11,150 kilos per hectare.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
While the initial investment in fertilizers may seem daunting, the returns far outweigh the costs. For every additional $100 invested in fertilizer, producers can expect to earn almost $40 back in just six months. The study presented by Fertilizar AC demonstrated that an “extra” investment of US$ 207 per hectare would yield an additional 2,100 kilos of corn, translating to a profit of US$ 81 per hectare.
The Importance of Nutrient Management
Effective nutrient management is crucial in achieving optimal yields. González Sanjuan emphasized that each kilo of nitrogen applied produces between 15 and 25 kilos of grain in corn. Phosphorus and sulfur have equally impressive returns, with phosphorus yielding between 25 and 65 kilos of grain per kilo applied, and sulfur yielding between 45 and 95 kilos per kilo.
The Soybean Factor
Interestingly, the over-planting of soybeans in Argentina has led to concerns about fertilizer consumption patterns [[2]]. Corn growers account for 28% of Argentine fertilizer consumption, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use in both crops.
Conclusion
The potential for growth in Argentine corn production is substantial, and optimized fertilization practices hold the key. By increasing fertilizer doses and adopting better nutrient management strategies, producers can significantly boost yields and profits. As González Sanjuan aptly put it, “You have to watch the whole movie, not just a photo that invites erroneous conclusions.” By taking a holistic approach to fertilization, Argentine corn producers can unlock the full potential of their crops and reap the rewards of a more profitable harvest.
References:
[1] <https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sulfur-fertilizer-consumption-in-Argentina-from-IPNI-Southern-Cone-and-Fertilizar-ACfig1235901457>
[2]
[3]
Boosting Argentine Corn Production: The Power of Optimized Fertilization
Argentina is a significant player in the global corn market, and recent studies suggest that the country’s corn production could increase by 34% simply by improving fertilization practices. According to María Fernanda González Sanjuan, Executive Director of Fertilizar, the average corn yield in Argentina is currently 7,600 kilos per hectare, which is almost half of the potential yield of 14,400 kilos per hectare.
González Sanjuan believes that by reducing the performance gaps in corn production, Argentina can reach an average yield of 11,150 kilos per hectare, an increase of 3,900 kilos per hectare. This is achievable by bridging the nutrient gaps in crops, particularly in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur application.
The Chronic Deficit in Corn Production
Corn production in Argentina has been plagued by a chronic deficit, mainly due to inadequate fertilization practices. The Fertilizar study highlights that the average corn yield in the country is significantly lower than its potential yield. This performance gap can be attributed to the lack of optimal fertilization, leading to lower yields and decreased profitability for farmers.
The Role of Fertilization in Boosting Corn Production
To reach the desired yield of 11,150 kilos per hectare, González Sanjuan recommends increasing nitrogen application from 70 kilos per hectare to 140 kilos, phosphorus from 14 kilos to 36 kilos, and sulfur from 3 kilos to 16 kilos per hectare. This increase in fertilization would result in a 34% yield increase, with better nutritional management adding almost 4,000 kilos per hectare.
The Profitability of Fertilizing
While the cost of fertilization may seem prohibitive, González Sanjuan emphasizes the need to consider the entire production process, rather than just focusing on the cost of fertilizers. The study reveals that each kilo of nitrogen applied produces between 15 and 25 kilos of grain in corn, while phosphorus and sulfur application result in even higher yields.
In a field study, a control plot without fertilization yielded 6,380 kilos per hectare, while a plot fertilized in a “normal” way reached 7,550 kilos, and a plot with optimized fertilization achieved 9,650 kilos per hectare. The producer’s “expense” would be 7 kilos of corn for nitrogen, 22 for phosphorus, and another 7 for sulfur, resulting in a minimum gain of 18 kilos thanks to increased nitrogen nutrition, 3 for phosphorus, and at least 38 for sulfur.
Current Corn Production in Argentina
According to recent data from the International Production Assessment Division (IPAD) [[2]], Argentina’s corn production is expected to reach 53 million tons in the 2023/24 marketing year, a 4% decrease from the previous
