The 2024-2025 corn campaign in Argentina comes with a promising, but challenging outlook. At the traditional meeting organized by Fertilize Civil Associationa key issue was put on the table: the need to close the performance gap through a better soil nutrition.
According to the entity, national producers only achieve the 53% of potential crop yieldand the main cause is the low level of nutrient application.
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During the meeting, Maria Fernanda Gonzalez Sanjuanexecutive manager of Fertilizar AC, explained that the potential of corn yield in Argentina could reach 11,500 kilos per hectarewhile the current average is only 7,600 kg/ha.
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“We are talking about a productive gap that could represent almost 4000 additional kilos per hectare on average in the country. This has a direct impact not only on yields, but also on the sustainability of the soil resource,” said González Sanjuan.
The data shared by the entity reflects a significant deficiency in the application of essential nutrients: 50% nitrogen, 61% phosphorus and 81% sulfur.
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González Sanjuan stressed that investment in fertilization, despite the high costs, guarantees a favorable economic return.
“If we manage to increase productivity in the 6 to 7 million hectares cultivated, the impact will be considerable in the tons produced and in the profitability of the producer,” he said.
Fertilizar AC highlighted the investment in technology and balanced nutrition to improve corn yield in 2024-2025. (Photo: X Fertilizar AC).
Investing in corn nutrition is a sustainable strategy that contributes to soil care
González Sanjuan explained the benefits of investing in corn fertilization and detailed how the relationship input-output makes this technology a safe bet to increase yields and profitability.
Through precise analysis, it showed the impact of three key nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfurhighlighting the convenience of its application in economic terms.
- Nitrogen: positive balance assured: González Sanjuan described how nitrogen (N) generates an immediate return. For every kilo of this nutrient, which costs the equivalent of 7 kilos of corn, between 15 and 25 additional kilos of grain are produced. This means that, after covering the cost of the input, The producer can obtain between 8 and 18 kilos of corn as net profitThis clearly positive balance makes nitrogen an investment that pays for itself.
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- Phosphorus: an input that generates more than it costs: In the case of phosphorus, the input-output ratio remains favorable. At current prices, 22 kilos of corn are required to purchase one kilo of this fertilizer, but that kilo of phosphorus can increase yield between 25 and 65 kilos of grainDespite the higher initial cost, phosphorus still provides a significant return, becoming a key piece to close the production gap and improve yields.
- Sulfur: higher profit with less investment: Sulfur is even more profitable. With an investment of only 7 kilos of corn for each kilo of this nutrient, between 45 and 95 additional kilos of grain can be generated, which represents a substantial profit. González Sanjuan concluded that, with proper fertilizer management, The producer can achieve profitability 40% in six months, equivalent to 80% per year in dollarsensuring a stable return and more sustainable production.
Corn sowing. (Photo: X ErroJuanma).
The experience of Rio Cuarto
The agricultural engineer Cecilia Cerlianifrom the National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), highlighted the importance of adequate nutritional management to close the significant gap between current corn yield and its maximum potential.
In the department of Río Cuarto, producers achieve on average 5,800 kilos per hectarewhile the potential under irrigation and optimal conditions is 19,000 kg/ha, which reveals a gap of 13,000 kilos per hectare attributed to both the lack of nutrients as well as water deficiency.
Cerliani stressed the need to apply the “4Rs” (Right Source, Right Dose, Right Time, and Right Form) to optimize corn nutrition.
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He insisted that a Accurate soil analysis is essential Before any management, he stressed that phosphorus levels below 15-18 ppm imply a high probability of response, requiring the application of said nutrient.
In the case of nitrogen, doses vary depending on climatic conditions and expected yield, being lower in dry years and higher in wet years.
The specialist also explained that balanced nutrient management, although it entails a high initial cost, increases profitability in the long term.
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According to trials, these strategies can improve gross margin by up to US$48 per hectare.
He also recommended efficient application of fertilizers, suggesting that the nitrogen fertilizer In advanced stages of the crop, it is more efficient than broadcast applications or those incorporated into sowing.
In Río Cuarto, producers obtain 5,800 kg/ha of corn, compared to a potential of 19,000 kg/ha, revealing a gap of 13,000 kilos due to lack of nutrients and water deficiency.” (Photo: INTA).
The experience of change in first person
The producer Nestor Peinettioriginally from Eduardo Castex, La Pampa, shared the transformation he carried out in the family establishment La Piedad.
“15 years ago, the soil was exhaustederosion was a serious problem and it was blown away by the wind,” said Peinetti, who decided to implement the direct seeding system to store water in the soil profile.
At that time, the farm was mainly for livestock farming, and corn was not a major crop in the area, as the summer heat often burned the crops.
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Hoy, Cereal is the main crop thanks to a diversified approach which also includes cover crops such as wheat to improve soil structure.
Peinetti also highlighted how balanced nutrition has been key to his productive success.
“I became a fan of phosphorus because it helps harvest water and is essential to maintaining productivity,” he said.
Néstor Peinetti stressed: “The key is to take care of the land, whether it is owned or rented, as a legacy for future generations.” (Photo: Clarín).
With the implementation of this strategy, their corn yields increased by up to 8,000 kilos per hectare in the best years.
In addition to phosphorus, he incorporated other nutrients such as zinc, which allowed him to obtain differences of up to 500 kilos of grain per hectare, improving the stability of his agricultural system even in dry years.
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“The key is to take care of the land, no matter if it is owned or rented: everything is land, and we must treat it with respect as a legacy for future generations,” he said.
This vision was supported by the president of Fertilizar AC, Roberto Rotondarowho reinforced the entity’s central message: “The purpose of fertilizing is to take care of the soil“, he emphasized and pointed out the importance of sustainability in the management of agricultural resources.
