Agricultural Engineer's Day: between innovation and basic soil care

Brazil celebrates Agricultural Engineer's Day on October 12. The growth of agribusiness in the country and the emergence of new technological tools have contributed to the profession.

However, the daily activities of around 110,000 Brazilian farmers often involve basic issues. One of them is soil care, with the application of inputs such as limestone and fertilizers.

To mark the data, we spoke with Marco Guzzo, who works in Paraná. Curitiba, the state capital, will host the National Meeting of Agricultural Limestone Producers (Enacal), in Curitiba. Máquinas Furlan is sponsoring the event.

Next, Guzzo talks about his professional routine.

Limestone and fertilizers: consumption is still low in Paraná

Marco Aurélio Guzzo, 51 years old, is an agricultural engineer graduated from the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG). For him, professionals in the field need to constantly update themselves. For this reason, he himself took several courses in soil fertility and plant nutrition, in addition to an MBA in Business Management.

He has been in the profession for 25 years. He currently works at Terra Rica, a company that sells limestone and fertilizers. These two products require a different perspective from rural producers, says Guzzo.

"Information about liming is one of the main challenges for agronomists. Liming is neglected in the South. Paraná has 7 million hectares of soybeans and corn planted. But limestone consumption in the state is close to 5 million tons, that is, less than 1 ton is used per hectare", he reveals.

For him, the role of the agronomist is to “position and recommend the best soil correctives, and focus on the importance of calculation for producers, from increasing the pH, providing Calcium and Magnesium and, mainly, enhancing the NPK that the producer applies, because using fertilizer without correcting the soil pH is throwing money away”.

Communication with customers needs to be improved, says Guzzo. "The agronomist should recommend already approved products, such as limestone, always with a vision of innovation, presenting test results, and forming partnerships with professional associations. It is necessary to make it clear that we are on the farmer's side," he says.

Climate change and soil profile construction

Climate change impacts this contact. "Currently, the south is experiencing drought in Paraná and Santa Catarina and excessive rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul. We have to recommend products, especially in the region's drought, that build the soil profile, in which the roots seek water and nutrients in the deepest layers and, therefore, the crop is not as susceptible to dry spells," he says.

Guzzo highlights, for example, the mixture of limestone and gypsum. “These are synergistic products that, in addition to providing calcium, magnesium and sulfur, build the soil profile, improving the chemical and physical aspects of the lower layers.”

Here , on the blog, we have already talked about the combined use of limestone and plaster.

The new generations are increasingly present in the countryside, and this requires changes.

“The agronomist must understand how this new generation works, more focused on social media, and publish short videos with assertive and objective technical information. They also like new technologies and new products. We work on all of this, but without forgetting to present the benefits of reference products, such as agricultural limestone,” he says.

And proximity is essential. “Farmers must visit rural areas, understand the needs of their regions, and, above all, be focused and committed. We live in a competitive world. Those who have information and knowledge, and know how to apply all of this in practice, are ahead. This way, you can increase your customers’ productivity on a smaller area.”

Enacal 2024: registrations are now open

Registration for the National Meeting of Limestone Producers (Enacal-2024) is now open. Máquinas Furlan will present, in Curitiba, its line of equipment aimed at quarries and mining companies that produce materials for agribusiness; among them, feeders, crushers, screens, grates, mills, in addition to a complete line of wear parts. Durability, performance and productivity are the hallmarks of Furlan equipment and parts.

The main meeting point for leaders in the agricultural limestone and soil correctives industry in Brazil, Enacal will take place between November 27th and 29th.

Registration is free, but limited. Registration can be done on the event website – here .