Other benefits are the reduction of production costs and environmental preservation.
A research partnership between the Universities of Passo Fundo (UPF) and the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) resulted in a study on the development of biochar—a charcoal of vegetable origin made from residues, from the processing of grapes of the wine industry, which will be used to retain beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Biochar, when added to chemical fertilizers, drastically reduces fertilizer applications in crops.
In biochar, microorganisms responsible for plant growth are immobilized. By incorporating this material into chemical fertilizers, the release of nutrients to the crops occurs in a synergistic way, enhancing their effects and helping to reduce the dosage of conventional chemical fertilizers, which are imported. “Brazil is still very dependent and the situation has only gotten worse since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” explains the researcher responsible for the project, Professor Doctor Jeferson Steffanello Piccin.
In addition to making it difficult to import fertilizers, the war in Ukraine has also caused prices for these products to soar. Today, between 70 and 80% of the fertilizers used in the country are imported and represent up to 40% of agribusiness production costs.
For the production of biochar, grape skins, seeds and pomace are used, which represent a challenge for the sector. The companies Adubos Coxilha and Beifiur Ltda. joined for the project, which also has the support of the Department of Innovation, Science and Technology of the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul.
