Land management is one of the major challenges of current agriculture. In response to this dilemma, a research team from INTA and Conicet developed Biopellet, a pelletized biofertilizer made from compost under a circular economy model.
The proposal aims to improve soil fertility, reduce costs, and offer a sustainable alternative for producers in Cuyo and other regions of the country.
Field Validation
The product was tested on crops such as tomato, vine, forage, and vegetables, demonstrating its ability to:
- Incorporate organic matter and essential nutrients.
- Provide beneficial microorganisms that enrich soil quality.
- Improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
- Increase crop productivity.
Advantages of the Pelletized Format
According to Luis Bueno, a researcher at INTA San Juan, Biopellet meets the need to improve fertility without resorting to raw manure and with a more accessible alternative than chemical fertilizers.
Meanwhile, Emanuel Ontivero, a biologist at Conicet and INTA, highlighted that the pelletized format revolutionizes management:
- It is more practical for the producer.
- Ensures homogeneous distribution in the field.
- Facilitates transport, storage, and application.
Circular Economy and Local Employment
The development is made with agro-industrial waste from the San Juan Environmental Technology Park, promoting the circular economy and turning a liability into a strategic input.
Economist Carlos Núñez emphasized that the project seeks to generate local employment and enhance the competitiveness of producers by integrating science, production, and community development.
Scalability and Potential Market
INTA estimates that the initial market for Biopellet in Cuyo covers more than 345,000 hectares with immediate adoption potential. The goal is to move towards a large-capacity plant that allows scaling up production and supplying both local producers and regional and international markets.
“This development reflects the role of INTA in linking science and production, offering practical solutions that strengthen the agriculture of the future,” concluded Bueno.
Key Benefits of Biofertilizers
- Improved nutrition: bacteria and fungi fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus.
- Soil health: increase organic matter, improve structure and biodiversity.
- Crop protection: produce substances that help defend against pests and diseases.
- Sustainability: reduce pollution and dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
- Climate mitigation: promote carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Resilience and growth: stimulate plant development and increase crop resistance.
- Economic inclusion: can be produced locally, being accessible for small farmers.
Examples of Key Microorganisms
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria: convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms useful for plants.
- Mycorrhizal fungi: expand the capacity for nutrient and water absorption.
- Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria: release trapped phosphorus in the soil.
- Growth-promoting microorganisms: produce hormones that stimulate plant development.
In the case of Biopellet, it is an innovation that integrates science, sustainability, and circular economy. By transforming waste into a strategic input, it offers a comprehensive solution for crop nutrition, soil regeneration, and the social and economic inclusion of producers. It is a concrete example of how modern agriculture can balance productivity and planetary health.
