Estudio en Paraná muestra aumentos de productividad con la coinoculación de soja

A study conducted in Paraná by Embrapa Soja and IDR-Paraná has shown that the co-inoculation of soybean seeds leads to a consistent increase in productivity. Over ten years, results from Technological Reference Units (URTs) in commercial fields have recorded an average increase of 8.33% in productivity when combining Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum, thereby strengthening biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In the 2024/2025 season, this resulted in an average yield of 3.916 kg/ha, surpassing areas without inoculation and state and national averages.

Since the 2015/2016 season, Embrapa Soja (Paraná) and the Institute of Rural Development of Paraná (IDR-Paraná) have been monitoring and validating the adoption of good biological nitrogen fixation practices among soybean farmers in the state. Field observations have demonstrated an average productivity increase of 8.33% due to co-inoculation of seeds. Co-inoculation involves the combined application of beneficial microorganisms, which enhances BNF, improves profitability, and promotes economic and environmental sustainability.

The results from the past decade are compiled in the publication "Co-inoculation of soybean with Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum in the 2024/2025 harvest in Paraná," which presents data from Paraná fields through URTs. The authors include André Mateus Prando, Arnold Barbosa de Oliveira, Divania de Lima, Edison Ulisses Ramos Júnior, Edivan José Possamai, Eliana Aparecida Reis, Marco Antonio Nogueira, and Mariangela Hungria, according to a press release.

"Over these ten years, the URTs, which are conducted directly in commercial soybean crops on rural properties, have allowed us to evaluate and validate the effectiveness of the technology in practice. The year-by-year results have consistently confirmed that the appropriate use of inoculation/co-inoculation increased soybean productivity and exempted farmers from the costs of nitrogen fertilization in the crop, ensuring greater profitability and environmental benefits for society as a whole," stated researcher André Prando from Embrapa Soja and Edivan Possamai, technical coordinator of the IDR-Paraná Grains project.

The state network of Technological Reference Units (URTs) from IDR-Paraná, developed with the support of Embrapa, allowed the inclusion of inoculation with Bradyrhizobium in the technological validation protocol starting from the 2015/2016 season. Co-inoculation began to be validated in the following seasons, demonstrating significant improvements in soybean yields and reducing the environmental impact of nitrogen fertilization.

The study highlights the importance of co-inoculation in enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By leveraging the combined benefits of Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum, farmers can achieve higher yields and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, contributing to environmental conservation and long-term agricultural sustainability.

The findings from this study not only benefit soybean producers in Paraná but also serve as a model for other regions and crops. The successful implementation of co-inoculation technologies can lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved economic viability for farmers, and reduced environmental degradation, making it a crucial tool in the global quest for food security and sustainable development.

In conclusion, the study conducted by Embrapa Soja and IDR-Paraná underscores the potential of co-inoculation in transforming agricultural practices and boosting productivity. By combining beneficial microorganisms, farmers can achieve higher yields, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural system. As the adoption of these practices grows, so too will the potential for improved food security and a healthier planet.