Alltech recently continued its commitment to supporting the Poultry Science Association and student research with the Alltech Student Research Manuscript Award. This year’s award was presented virtually to George Hall of Canada, who is currently studying at the University of Guelph.

The Alltech Student Research Manuscript Award is given to a student who is the senior author of an outstanding research manuscript published in Poultry Science or The Journal of Applied Poultry Research. Hall served as the lead author for a paper titled “In-ovo culturing of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) ovarian tissue to assess graft viability and maturation of prefollicular germ cells and follicles.”

Dr. Kayla Price, Canadian technical manager for Alltech, presented the award to Hall virtually on July 22 during the Poultry Science Association’s Annual Meeting.

"Innovation is the core of our business at Alltech, and we are proud to support students and the advancements they are making in the poultry industry," said Dr. Price.

Hall began his academic journey at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He then moved to Saskatoon and received a master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan, where he studied gonad transplantation and vitrification using the domestic turkey in the veterinary biomedical science department. Hall is currently studying under Dr. Grégoy Bédécarrats in the animal biosciences department at the University of Guelph, where he has continued his research on ovarian transplantation in turkeys.

Hall has been attending the annual Poultry Science Association meeting since 2014 and has enjoyed his experiences and the ability to network with researchers from around the world at the conference. At the 2019 meeting, he received a certificate of excellence, as well as the Aviagen Turkeys Communication Award.

Alltech has sponsored the Alltech Student Research Manuscript Award since 2000, recognizing young leaders in scientific innovation for their commitment to publishing and sharing their work within the poultry sector. For more information, visit poultryscience.org.

-Ends-

Image download: https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/x8xmTxT3QHQH

For at sikre kvaliteten af det nye korn, så er det vigtigt, at man behandler kornet korrekt, lige så snart det kommer ind på lageret. Derfor har vi fået Dancorn/Sukup til at komme med en guide over, hvad man skal være opmærksom på.

De fleste har opmærksomheden rettet mod at få tørret kornet ned lige efter høst, så det har den rette vandprocent. Men det er mindst lige så vigtigt, at du husker løbende at køle dine afgrøder ned. Kornafgrøder er først lagerfaste, når vandindholdet er under 15 procent, og temperaturen kommer under 7-8 grader celsius.

Høstvejret er normalt varmt vejr med høstdage op til 25 grader og med nætter, hvor temperaturen kun kom ned omkring 15 grader. Så selvom du har høstet en meget tør afgrøde, hvor efterfølgende tørring ikke har været nødvendig, så er afgrøderne blevet lagret tørre og meget varme i siloerne/planlagrene. Derfor er det stadig vigtigt at få nedkølet afgrøden.

Husk at starte blæseren på dit anlæg med jævne mellemrum (gerne hver tredje uge) gennem efteråret og vinteren. På denne måde sørger du for, at temperaturen på afgrøden nogenlunde følger temperaturen udenfor. Det anbefales ved køling af kornafgrøder, at den relative luftfugtighed holdes under 80% - så ingen køling i tågedis og regnvejr!                   

Ved køling i en tørresilo skal omrøreren køre samtidig med blæseren. Dermed sikrer du, at kølingen sker hurtigere, og at eventuelle varmepletter i siloen opblandes, så du igen får en ensartet og sund vare.

As a member of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team, Dr. Alexandra Weaver uses data to help producers make quicker decisions about their feed and limit the negative impact of mycotoxins on their animals. She joined the Ag Future podcast to discuss the effects of extreme weather on mycotoxin management and shares how technology can help mitigate the risks.

The following is an edited transcript of the Ag Future podcast episode with Dr. Alexandra Weaver hosted by Tom Martin. Click below to hear the full audio or listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Tom:                      I'm Tom Martin, and joining me is Alexandra Weaver, a member of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. The group has been providing technical support globally since Dr. Weaver joined Alltech in 2013. She's been working on the topic of mycotoxins for more than a decade; research for her master's and Ph.D. in animal science and nutrition from North Carolina State University focused on mycotoxins. She joins us to bring us up to date on the mycotoxin issue in agriculture. Welcome, Dr. Weaver.

Dr. Weaver:             Great. Welcome. Thank you very much for having me.

Tom:                      And so, tell us about your work in developing computer programs to track mycotoxin risk, as well as (to) measure the physical and financial impact of mycotoxins on animals.

Dr. Weaver:             Yes, of course. So, if we think about mycotoxins, which are metabolites that are produced by fungi naturally out in the field, we need to know their contamination level, and we need to understand how that relates to animal performance so that we can have a better method for managing those toxins.

                               So, actually, to better understand the mycotoxin challenge, Alltech began collecting data on samples that were being submitted for mycotoxin analysis back in 2012. We started (doing that), and shortly after that, we started developing simple, Excel-based programs to look at the data — but, really, Excel is kind of a technology of the past now. And it really didn't tell us enough information.

                               So, over time, I've actually worked on advancing our programs to include better interpretation and visualization of the data. And now, we currently use Microsoft Power BI-based programs. And Power BI is basically just a high-tech system that allows us to increase the functionality of our data and allows the user to actually see mycotoxin contamination profiles from around the globe in real time. So, they have really fast access to data and information about mycotoxins.

                               Now, you also mentioned (something) about the connection between, kind of, the data and the risk to, actually, the animal performance. And I've also developed programs that allow us to actually link (and) publish scientific literature to the potential impact on the animal. And then, through that, we can actually try to assess and understand the financial impact of that performance change on the animal.

Tom:                      And is that information being updated?

Dr. Weaver:             Yep. Whenever there's new information on the scientific literature side, we can look at that, and we go through and add that new information into our programs so that we can have the best prediction models that are out there.

Tom:                      Okay. Are these extreme weather patterns that we're experiencing — the severe flooding (and) severe drought — are they impacting, one way or another, the fungi that are the source of mycotoxins?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes, definitely. So, weather events are certainly impacting that fungi. And actually, weather is probably one of the biggest factors in promoting fungal occurrence and the type of mycotoxin produced, as well as the concentration of the mycotoxins.

                               So, anything like drought, excess rainfall, high temperatures, tornadoes, hail, wind damage — really, all of these can alter the complex balance between the plant and the fungi. So, if that plant is stressed, that could increase the fungal colonization and the mycotoxin level (in the plant). If the plant is damaged, that allows (for the) entry of that fungus into the plant and, again, increases growth, increases mycotoxins. But even if the fungi itself gets stressed, this also increases the mycotoxin production.

                               So, weather really does play, again, one of the biggest roles in that occurrence and the growth of the fungi and the production of mycotoxins. And it is really something to keep an eye on.

Tom:                      Well, let's narrow that list of extreme weather conditions down to drought. Is drought having — or may (it) have — an impact on mycotoxin risk in this year's crops?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes. Certainly. So, many areas this year have experienced some very significant drought conditions, and drought is a very stressful situation for the plant. This provides a great opportunity for fungal colonization. And particularly when we think about drought conditions, we often talk about the mycotoxins aflatoxin and fumonisin being more prevalent in those areas that have had drought conditions. So, if someone's been experiencing drought conditions in their area and they're worried about mycotoxins, those are certainly ones to keep an eye out for.

Tom:                      Are you seeing any big trends in terms of contamination patterns?

Dr. Weaver:             Yeah. I think, really, the biggest trend is just the variable weather patterns on the extreme weather events. Really, over the past several years, we have seen quite some varying weather. A couple years ago, some areas in the upper Midwest had actually record rainfall. And with that, we saw some very high levels and very high occurrences of some mycotoxins, like deoxynivalenol.

                               Now, of course, this year, you’re going to see quite a range of weather, from the drought conditions over to, maybe, some very high-rainfall areas (and) maybe some that have experienced both — so, they had drought conditions, but then rainfall came. And that could still cause problems to the plant as well, depending on when that rainfall came. If it was around tasseling that actually could promote mycotoxins, regardless of if you had normal (conditions) or drought conditions previously.

                               So, really, these extreme weather events — that is, (these) variable weather patterns — really are the trends we're seeing. And it really is going to affect what a producer sees, and they're going to have to be very aware of the weather they experience on their crops. And certainly, I would recommend testing for mycotoxins so you can be aware of the contamination level.

Tom:                      Well, farming has never been easy but (is) certainly not for the faint of heart in these times.

Dr. Weaver:             Very true.

Tom:                      What are the most recent advances in technologies related to mycotoxins?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes. So, I think — there’s certainly a lot of new technologies, but I think a lot of them have actually centered around data generation, data collection and data management. So, that could be things like tools that allow that user to detect mycotoxins on their sample just very rapidly, within minutes. You can send your samples to labs and get results for dozens of mycotoxins at a time in that sample. And then, of course, (there are) programs — such as those I've worked on — that allow the user to actually log in to see their data in real time and look at data either on a local scale or a global scale.

                               So, really, I think these new technologies are centered around data — and rapid access to that data and interpretation of that data — so that the producer can make a quicker decision about their feeds and limit those negative impacts of mycotoxins on the animal.

Tom:                      So, the updated Alltech portal delivers risk assessment?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes, exactly. So, the Alltech mycotoxin management portal is our home for a variety of tools that allow the user to manage and interpret their mycotoxin data. So, if they’ve submitted a sample for analysis by either (the) Alltech 37+ laboratory or our field-based testing, which is Alltech RAPIREAD, those samples can get loaded onto this Alltech portal. And they can then get information on not just those numerical results (from the) testing but, actually, a more detailed interpretation through what we call an assessment report. And this actually provides information on how mycotoxin levels can relate to an animal performance or health change.

                               So, if that user logs in, they look at their assessment report, they get an idea now of, actually, “Is that sample at a lower, moderate or higher risk to animal performance?” And again, that can help them make a better decision on how to use the material.

Tom:                      Is the web address for the portal short enough to talk about verbally here, or is it something that we should post online for our listeners to find and access?

Dr. Weaver:             Yep, it's pretty easy. It’s knowmycotoxins.com.

Tom:                      Ah, clever.

Dr. Weaver:             We can post that as well.

Tom:                      How can we best use data to meet the sustainability challenge in agriculture?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes, that is a great question. So, data actually is, of course, very important for understanding and tracking your mycotoxin risk, as I’ve described. But we actually can start to use data to understand how mycotoxins, for example, impact even the sustainability of (the) production setting. So, we've actually started looking at scientific literature, and we've been able to complete several meta-analysis studies that actually show that mycotoxins can not only alter the gain and efficiency of an animal but (can) actually alter even the CO₂ output and the overall sustainability of a farm.

                               So, I think this is really interesting information that shows that mycotoxins are playing, actually, a very big role on the farm — and, again, not just on the performance of your animals but, actually, (on) many different areas of that farm.

Tom:                      Are you and your team trying stay out ahead of what producers will be anticipating, what they’ll be demanding, in the near future?

Dr. Weaver:             Yes, certainly. So, that fits right into the sustainability aspect. So, we think producers, consumers — really, the food chain as a whole — are demanding information on sustainability. And we want to know how mycotoxins are impacting that farm's sustainability and how we can bring solutions to that system to actually play a role in improving sustainability on farms. So, using this information, using the scientific literature that we have, we’re able to see how we can go about dealing with this challenge and provide those — the details that producers and consumers are going to want, and provide solutions to that challenge.

Tom:                      All right. That’s Dr. Alexandra Weaver, a member of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. Thank you, Dr. Weaver.

Dr. Weaver:             Great. Thank you very much, Tom.

Tom:                      Join Alltech and a panel of expert speakers virtually during the U.N. Food Systems Pre-Summit Alltech session, (which) will be held on July 27 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time and will feature a robust conversation on future protein security, focusing on maximizing the efficiency of production resources without unintended social, cultural and environmental consequences. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/36Mp9XZ

                               This has been AgFuture, presented by Alltech. Thank you for joining us. Be sure to subscribe to AgFuture wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm Tom Martin. Thanks for listening.

Modern aquaculture is changing and adapting rapidly. The sector is in its infancy compared to other areas of agriculture; however, this provides the opportunity to adjust quickly when necessary. Climate change is forcing the global food industry to find ways to be more sustainable, and the aquaculture industry has spent many years campaigning for change to ensure longevity and sustainability for future generations.  

It is necessary to look outside of our comfort zone to ensure that we are protecting our oceans and the aquatic species that live in them. At the same time, we must also provide food security for over 3 billion people who rely on seafood for their diet and employment and support its role in ending hunger and addressing malnutrition.

1. Protecting our oceans

In 2016, the National Academy of Science, USA, predicted 50% of stocks could be sustainable by 2050. The last decade has seen considerable developments in fishery management limits, species quotas and reduced bycatch through advances in fishing gear and technological equipment. NGOs such as the Marine Stewardship Council have worked tirelessly to improve this situation, and globally, there is amazing conservation work taking place to ensure that aquaculture and fisheries are becoming more sustainable.

Aquaculture is becoming more resource-efficient in terms of aquafeed, energy and water management. Indoor and land-based technologies are reducing water usage and gas emissions. By 2030, 62% of food fish will come from aquaculture (FAO). Sustainable aquaculture is part of the solution and will be the key to providing future generations access to healthy and sustainable protein options and employment opportunities.

This is the part where each of us, as individuals, plays a role in protecting our oceans. We have a responsibility, we all play a part in climate change and we need to work together if we are to influence current practices.

What can we do to support this?

• We can support companies, stores and restaurants that use sustainably sourced fish and seafood.
• We can research our choices to ensure we are choosing the most sustainable option to reduce environmental impact.

2. Fish in fish out (FIFO)

Modern aquaculture has seen a significant shift in the last decade in terms of nutrition. Marine ingredients in aquafeed still exist, but some aquafeeds are made free of any marine resources while still maintaining the health benefits associated with omega 3 fatty acids and oils. The evolution of nutrition has allowed for the FIFO ratio to decrease significantly. The global FIFO factor for our industry is 0.27, which means we need 270 grams of wild-caught fish to produce 1 kilogram of farmed fish. This is calculated by dividing the fish caught for aquaculture feed production use by the farmed fish fed with these feeds. Looking at Alltech Coppens, the 2020 FIFO ratio was 0.10%, and 100% of the fishmeal sourced was from trimmings and/or certified.

3. Food security

The 2021 FAO cites the importance of seafood for ending hunger and addressing malnutrition, and fish remains critical for food and nutritional security in so many geographies across the world. To cut out eating fish entirely would wipe out some rural communities who rely on fishing for their livelihood and primary protein source.

Sustainable fishing must be implemented and promoted; fish stocks can recover and replenish when carefully managed for the long term. One of the greatest challenges we face in agriculture is to produce enough food for the increasing population while ensuring a plentiful and sustainable environment for future generations. Our population is growing exponentially, and we cannot continue to produce proteins in an unsustainable manner. This is not a new learning; both the agriculture and aquaculture industries have recognized this, and significant innovations and developments have been made over the past decade. Years of research have been invested in ensuring minimal impact on surrounding environments. Sustainable aquaculture is part of the solution, not the problem, with 62% of food fish coming from aquaculture by 2030 (FAO). This will be the key to providing future generations access to healthy and sustainable protein options and employment opportunities.

As an industry, we have been campaigning and will continue to campaign for change for many years on some of the industry’s most important challenges. It is now up to each of us to educate ourselves and our communities to make the most sustainable food choices. We must take part for the change to have an impact.

I want to learn more about aquaculture nutrition.

Heat stress is not something that we usually associate with our cows in Northern Ireland. However, it is an issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent due to weather extremes and the fact that many cows are now fully housed year-round. Cows are robust animals, and they can tolerate short-term temperature/humidity levels, provided there is a quick return to comfortable levels. Generally, a temperature humidity index (THI) of over 70 is the point where heat stress becomes an issue and impact performance. An optimal temperature for dairy cows is between 5–20°C. Cows are more prone to heat stress due to the significant heat increment caused by high feed consumption and milk production. Alltech has developed a simple, no-stress guide on managing heat stress, which I will explain below.

Step 1: Be AWARE of the signs of heat stress

• Decreased dry matter intake
• Reduced cudding activity
• Increased respiration rate and panting
• Standing and congregating
• Milk yield drop
• Lowered milk solids
• Higher somatic cell count (SCC)
• Decreased oestrus levels
• Reduced pregnancy rate

Step 2: We need to be ready to ADAPT the animals’ housing and environment

Cows need to be as comfortable as possible. The basic principles include providing increased shade, cooling and good ventilation along with ample, clean and accessible water. There will be an increase in the demand for water, so make sure water inputs can cope with this extra demand. Reduced stocking rates is another method to consider. Reduce group sizes in the collecting yard, for example. Water troughs and feed passages should be cleaned more often than usual. We need to look at the forages also. Any heated spoiled silage should be disposed of. Keeping a good clamp face is key. A well-sharpened shear grab or block cutter should help keep a tight face. Expose the clamp in smaller sections. Try and get across the pit face as soon as possible. The TMR should be not heating. Twice-a-day feeding may be another method to use. Adjust feed times to when temperatures are lower to help stimulate an intake in the cows. Feed should be pushed up 8–10 times per day also.

Step 3: Help cows ACCLIMATISE via feed and nutrition

In times of heat stress, our focus needs to be on sustaining rumen health and function. Cows in heat stress are more likely to have subacute ruminal acidosis due to the changes in their feeding behaviour. These changes are caused by fewer and larger meals resulting in slug feeding. Feeding high-quality, palatable forages during times of heat stress is another strategy for minimising digestive heat. As feed intake is depressed, we need to increase the energy density of the diet. We can do this by adding more cereals or fats. Choose starch with slower degradation rates (for example, maize meal versus barley). Mineral concentration needs to be also considered. Sodium, potassium and magnesium are also lost through salvia and sweat, so we need to take those into account too.

Feed YEA-SACC® to help stabilise rumen environment and optimise function. YEA-SACC® helps promote dry matter intake, enhances the digestibility of the diet by removing oxygen toxic to microbes and promotes digestion and utilisation of nutrients. YEA-SACC® helps to stabilise the rumen environment by stabilising rumen pH and reducing the time during which the rumen is below the critical pH of 6.

Heat stress is an issue we need to take seriously. As I mentioned earlier, it can have serious implications on performance, which will then result in reduced profitability. By using our three-step, no-stress strategy, we should be able to minimise these implications. For any further advice on keeping your dairy herd free from the effects of heat stress, please contact InTouch on 01213742969 or log on to Heat stress | Alltech.
 

John Cooper is the poultry technical manager for Alltech in Ireland and the U.K. Since joining Alltech in 2013, his main focus has been helping producers improve their poultry health and performance and their business profitability while also minimizing their antibiotic usage.

Over a career spanning more than 26 years, Cooper has worked in many areas of the poultry sector, starting in practical roles on rearing and breeding units and progressing to farm management and, eventually, to senior roles in hatcheries, poultry chick sales and broilers.

Utilizing his experience, knowledge and understanding of the industry, in his current role, Cooper works with the supply chain to deliver supportive solutions for producers. His core mission within this role has been the development and delivery of the Alltech Antibiotic Reduction Programme, which tackles antimicrobial resistance through advanced nutritional technologies that have been proven to support gut health and immune status.

Along with his other responsibilities, Cooper plays a key role in research and development at Alltech, utilizing his extensive knowledge of and experience in all tiers of the supply chain to help develop and research new solutions and provide valuable information to others throughout the industry.

Sustainability — unarguably one the most used words in the agricultural sector both now and probably for the next decade. Every facet of the agri-food industry is working hard toward sustainability, and it is especially high on the agendas of all players across the egg supply chain.

Noble Foods is the U.K.’s leading vertically integrated company striving to serve the egg industry sustainably, from care and welfare to carbon and waste.

Noble Foods entered the world of eggs over 100 years ago, under the name ‘Deans Foods.’ Way back in 1920, William Dean took the rather rustic and entrepreneurial approach of door-to-door egg sales by a horse and cart.

Today, Noble Foods is still under the ownership of the third and fourth generation of the Dean family, producing 400 metric tons of egg products every week, 58% of which are free-range.

Company facts:

• Manufactures around 750,000 metric tons of feed every year from five feed mills.
• Rears around four million pullets per year across 14 rearing sites from 1–16 weeks old.
• Has 280 laying farm sites, both company-owned and contracted independent farmers. 

Noble Foods is a leader in vertical integration of the poultry industry in the U.K.

Noble Foods has proven and is proud of its forerunning proactiveness, from being the first to trial Salmonella vaccines back in the 1990s to sitting at tier 1 within the BB4 model (a regulated welfare program).

Developing a vision and an approach

Noble Foods has set some ambitious sustainability goals in recent months, making it the main company driver. Graham Atkinson, Agriculture Director for Producers at Noble Foods, was tasked with making it happen.

In Graham’s opinion, sustainability means different things to different people and different businesses. There is no clear right or wrong way of “doing it.” He was not sure how or where to start. However, he had a fair idea of what Noble Foods was trying to achieve and where Alltech could help. So, he asked the question: Could we partner together to make the sustainability challenge an opportunity via the Planet of Plenty partnership program?

While Graham and the leadership team accept that the journey will change direction and they will be thrown some curveballs along the way, they have now clearly and proactively defined their vision and focus into four areas:

1. Carbon footprint: reducing the impact of feed regimes.
2. Food loss: restoring and recovering more usable first-class eggs.
3. Land use: reducing and replacing the raw materials.
4. Animal welfare: increasing, developing and driving the fulfillment of the life of laying hens.

Now, the hard part: doing it! Putting some meat on those bones. To do this, Graham is busy building a collaborative council of key players to come together and share expertise.

A journey joined by others

For a while now, Graham has been hunting for partners who share the same vision and who can act as consultants and facilitators. Partners who can deliver the required infrastructure, skill base, science and knowledge to travel fast. Partners who can safeguard their leadership status.

Noble Foods has committed to 100% cage-free production by 2025.

Alltech, like Noble Foods, is a family-owned and operated business, sharing similar sustainability ambitions and values. These shared common values and ways of working are really what sparked and solidified the partnership — the idea of making a bigger and quicker difference by working together.

Through the power of science and nutrition, Alltech is now working very closely with Noble Foods’ supply chain, from start to finish, to help produce more quality eggs from happier birds and with less environmental impact.

The Planet of Plenty partnership between Noble Foods and Alltech is still in its infancy. The first pilot project has just begun, and the excitement of the partnership’s impact on future egg production is radiating from within the supply chain.

Visit one.alltech.com for more information.

Sign up to receive information and updates about the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference!

The recent Alltech ONE Ideas Conference looked at the dairy sector and dove into topics on climate change, emissions, feed use and consumer expectations. Many aspects in this industry were covered, including opportunities, solutions and challenges in the dairy sector. We summarise some of the highlights that were brought to the forefront during this event.

Click here for full article. 

Efeito pré-condicionador da matéria orgânica do solo auxilia na disponibilização e absorção de nutrientes, além do desenvolvimento da lavoura.

O resultado final de uma lavoura se inicia e se sustenta pela base, ou seja, pelo solo. Por isso, além da atenção básica à adubação, os cuidados com o meio são essenciais na disponibilização de nutrientes para as plantas e para sustentabilidade do ciclo. Um dos grandes desafios é o aumento da salinidade do solo, causado em grande parte pelo uso excessivo de fertilizantes no manejo.

Entre as consequências da salinidade do solo estão a diminuição do desenvolvimento das plantas devido à má absorção de água e nutrientes. Uma das soluções que podem ajudar no reestabelecimento do equilíbrio natural é o fornecimento de matéria orgânica nas áreas de plantio. No entanto, a eficiência da sua mineralização e de seus resultados está ligada ao “efeito priming” da matéria orgânica do solo. De acordo com o engenheiro agrônomo Leonardo Porpino, gerente técnico nacional da Alltech Crop Science, este fenômeno consiste em pré-condicionar o meio a estar sempre apto a trabalhar na decomposição de matéria orgânica e, consequentemente, gerar um melhor ambiente para absorção e disponibilização de nutrientes para a planta.

Segundo o agrônomo, em muitos casos já existe material orgânico no solo, entretanto, não são mineralizados devido a fatores naturais e de manejo. “Com foco apenas na nutrição mineral das plantas, corre-se o risco de colocar adubo em excesso. E isso pode gerar um problema, pois há um volume alto de nutrientes que não pode ser aproveitado, podendo gerar estresses e fitotoxidez nas plantas e desperdício de fertilizantes. Por isso, a indicação é fornecer esses elementos de maneira racional e ajudar na disponibilização do que já está no solo por meio da decomposição”, explica. Para que isso ocorra e haja melhora no efeito priming, o agrônomo explica que é necessário também um estímulo constante da atividade biológica do solo.

O estímulo pode ser feito com o uso de soluções naturais desenvolvidas a partir de nutrientes e compostos orgânicos específicos.

“Estas ferramentas permitem maior interação do que há no meio com microrganismos decompositores e solubilizadores de fósforo e outros elementos, que vão permitir a disponibilização de recursos para a planta. Dessa forma, há melhor absorção de minerais e desenvolvimento da cultura”, afirma Porpino.

Para suprir as altas necessidades de cuidados com o solo, Porpino destaca uma tecnologia lançada recentemente pela Alltech Crop Science, o fertilizante Soil-Plex Ready®, integrante da Linha Solo da empresa. A ferramenta, considerada uma fonte orgânica energética, possui composição nutricional balanceada, com elementos como nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio. Entre os benefícios da solução está a melhoria no desenvolvimento das plantas, aumento da mineralização e disponibilização de nutrientes, além da potencialização do efeito priming.

Sobre a Alltech Crop Science

A Alltech Crop Science, divisão agrícola da Alltech Inc., desenvolve soluções naturais para os desafios da agricultura nos principais mercados do mundo. Por meio de produtos com alto valor agregado e tecnologia exclusiva nas linhas de nutrição, solo, proteção e performance, garante sustentabilidade e lucratividade ao produtor rural. A Alltech Crop Science do Brasil é formada pela maior fábrica de leveduras do mundo, localizada em São Pedro do Ivaí (PR), pela sede em Maringá (PR) e pela unidade em Uberlândia (MG).