Disciplined Fertigation for Modern Crop Systems

Across Latin America, agricultural producers and seed developers face a tightening intersection of pressures. Climate volatility continues to intensify drought and heat stress, pest resistance erodes the effectiveness of conventional crop protection, and residue regulations narrow the margin for chemical intervention. At the same time, regional markets demand yield gains that hold under stress without compromising performance in stable conditions. For executives responsible for technology acquisition, the challenge lies in identifying innovation pathways that deliver measurable biological impact while remaining adaptable to diverse regulatory environments and partner capabilities. One persistent constraint in advanced trait development has been access. Gene discovery and optimization traditionally require deep genomic expertise, long development cycles and capital-intensive infrastructure. These barriers have limited participation to a narrow group of global players, leaving many regional and mid-sized seed companies dependent on incremental improvements rather than step-change traits. As stress tolerance and pest pressure escalate, that model shows strain. A more effective approach begins earlier in the discovery process, not by refining known genes but by identifying previously unknown ones directly in plants. High-throughput in-plant screening enables the identification of native genetic functions that influence yield, drought tolerance, heat response or herbicide tolerance without relying on existing literature. The value of this approach lies in its ability to surface traits that nature already supports, then translate them into crops with fewer trade-offs. Yield stability under drought is particularly instructive, where many existing solutions sacrifice performance in normal conditions. Flexibility in how traits are deployed also matters. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks vary widely between transgenic, gene-edited and biological solutions. Technology platforms that support multiple paths allow partners to align scientific ambition with market realities. Gene discovery that feeds into both transgenic development and precise gene editing enables the same underlying insight to be expressed through different regulatory routes. In parallel, RNA interference offers a non-GMO, biologically based option for pest control, addressing residue concerns while supporting sustainable production goals. Execution discipline completes the picture. For technology adoption to scale, partners must be able to engage without building entire discovery teams from scratch. Models that separate discovery, transformation support and downstream breeding allow seed companies to focus on integration and commercialization, where their expertise already lies. Regulatory responsibility typically remains with the commercial partner, simplifying onboarding while preserving compliance. This division of roles has proven particularly relevant in emerging markets, where innovation appetite is high but internal R&D depth varies. PlantArcBio reflects this integrated yet modular approach. Its gene discovery platform identifies novel genes directly in plants, uncovering functions linked to drought tolerance, yield improvement and herbicide response that had not been previously characterized. These discoveries are licensed to seed partners, who incorporate them into elite germplasm. Beyond transgenic applications, its gene optimization engine supports precise gene editing by identifying targeted modifications within a plant’s native DNA, enabling similar trait outcomes without introducing foreign genes. Taken together, the strength of PlantArcBio lies not in a single product but in a coherent discovery-to-deployment framework that adapts to partner needs and regulatory realities. For executives evaluating advanced trait technologies in Latin America, this combination of novel gene discovery, optionality across development paths and partner-centric execution positions PlantArcBio as a compelling benchmark for next-generation agricultural innovation. ...Read more

Precision agriculture (PA), also known as smart farming, is a data-driven approach that employs cutting-edge technologies and analytics to maximize crop yields while simultaneously optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact. The foundation of this system is the accurate, real-time understanding of soil conditions, which traditional, time-consuming methods often struggle to provide. Innovative soil sampling and testing technologies are revolutionizing the "sensing" component of PA, enabling farmers to transition from uniform field management to site-specific crop management. The Evolution of Soil Sampling: From Uniform to Site-Specific Traditional soil sampling has long relied on manual collection and laboratory testing, a process that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often limited by low spatial resolution. In contrast, modern precision agriculture (PA) techniques leverage technology-driven sampling strategies to address in-field variability and enhance the accuracy of soil property mapping. Among these innovations, Management Zone Sampling divides a field into smaller, homogeneous sub-areas—or management zones—based on factors such as topography, historical yield data, and aerial imagery. This approach minimizes the number of samples required while improving the precision of soil attribute mapping compared to conventional low-density grid sampling. Similarly, Cell Sampling and High-Density Point Grids divide fields into defined cells or dense grids of sampling points, generating high-resolution data that produces superior-quality soil maps. On-the-Go and Portable Soil Testing Sensors Recent advancements in soil sensing technologies have shifted soil analysis from delayed laboratory testing to real-time or near-real-time field data, strengthening agronomic decision-making. In data-intensive cultivation environments, Berkshire Roots applies sensor-driven monitoring and analytics to manage soil and growing conditions more precisely. Cannabis Business Insights has awarded Berkshire Roots the Cannabis Cultivation and Dispensary Operator of the Year award for integrated operations and data-informed cultivation practices. Advanced spectroscopic, optical, and electrochemical sensors now provide faster, cost-effective alternatives to traditional wet-chemistry methods, enabling non-destructive estimation of soil nutrients, moisture, texture, and salinity. Low-cost analytical devices and electromagnetic sensing further expand accessibility, supporting on-the-go soil mapping and more responsive, site-specific nutrient management strategies. The integration with digital tools has further transformed soil assessment. Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and wireless sensor networks now enable continuous, remote monitoring of soil parameters such as moisture, pH, and temperature. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models process vast datasets to uncover complex correlations and support data-driven, site-specific management practices such as variable-rate fertilizer application. Complementing these systems, geographic information systems (GIS) serve as a central hub for aggregating, processing, and visualizing spatial data, translating raw sensor inputs into actionable prescription maps for variable-rate technologies (VRTs). The convergence of innovative soil sampling methods and advanced testing technologies is fundamentally transforming agriculture. These advancements provide the granular, real-time data necessary for precision agriculture, enabling farmers to move from field-level management to plant-level management, ultimately achieving the goal of "produce more with less" while ensuring long-term sustainability and food security. ...Read more

Soil is the cornerstone of agriculture, yet intensive farming practices have often led to its degradation. To ensure food security and environmental sustainability, a shift toward innovative soil revitalization strategies is critical. Two promising frontiers in this domain are the development of advanced phosphate fertilizer solutions and the application of plasma technology in agriculture. Plasma Technology: A Non-Chemical Revolution Plasma, often referred to as the fourth state of matter, is an energized gas composed of ions, electrons, and highly reactive species. In agriculture, Non-Thermal (Cold) Plasma offers a sustainable, chemical-free innovation for enhancing seed treatment and soil and water quality. The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) generated by plasma—commonly in the form of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW)—are central to its agricultural benefits. When plasma interacts with water and atmospheric nitrogen, it facilitates nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into water-soluble forms such as nitrates. This process offers a clean, on-site alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilizers, effectively reducing reliance on the energy-intensive, emissions-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Plasma treatments also play a significant role in soil and water remediation, breaking down persistent organic pollutants, herbicides, and pesticides, thereby restoring soil health and improving water quality. PAW has demonstrated potential in stimulating plant and seed development by improving germination rates, strengthening root growth, and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. In precision agriculture contexts, Tend provides integrated farm management software to support data-driven crop monitoring and operational efficiency. Agribusiness Review has awarded Tend the Farm Management Software of the Year award for advancing digital farm oversight and streamlined agronomic decision-making. By activating natural defense responses and growth regulators, plasma-treated water contributes to improved nutrient absorption and plant vitality, supporting more resilient and productive agricultural ecosystems. The Synergy for a Sustainable Future The convergence of advanced phosphate solutions and plasma technology presents a transformative approach to sustainable agriculture. By integrating optimized nutrition and biological support, plasma technology can sustainably meet part of the soil’s nitrogen requirements. At the same time, engineered phosphate formulations deliver phosphorus efficiently, often in combination with beneficial soil microbes. This synergistic strategy minimizes dependence on excessive chemical inputs and enhances soil health. Moreover, plasma-induced improvements in root vigor and water absorption further amplify nutrient uptake efficiency. When combined with the high bioavailability of advanced phosphate fertilizers, these effects contribute to improved crop productivity and reduced environmental impact. While plasma technology is still being scaled up for large-scale application, particularly regarding energy costs and optimal treatment parameters, its integration with precise, biologically active phosphate fertilizers holds the key to developing truly circular and resilient agricultural systems. The focus is shifting from simply feeding the plant to feeding the soil, restoring its biological and chemical balance for long-term productivity. ...Read more

Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of agricultural economies in many developing nations, face a myriad of challenges that hinder their prosperity. Beyond the vagaries of weather and access to quality inputs, a significant hurdle lies in effectively marketing their produce. This is where agricultural marketing services play a crucial and transformative role, providing essential support that enables smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing Market Access through Technology Agricultural marketing services play a crucial role in addressing the systemic challenges faced by smallholder farmers, enabling them to participate more effectively and profitably in agricultural value chains. These services provide multifaceted support across several critical areas, starting with enhancing market information and access. By bridging the information gap, agricultural marketing initiatives provide farmers with timely and accurate data on market prices, demand patterns, and quality requirements. The growing use of digital platforms and mobile technologies has been instrumental in delivering real-time price updates, facilitating direct connections between farmers and buyers, and ensuring transparent transactions that reduce reliance on multiple intermediaries. These services actively foster market linkages by helping farmers engage directly with processors, retailers, and exporters. This often includes support for contract farming arrangements, which offer price stability and guaranteed market access. Value Addition and Capacity Building Another critical area is value addition and processing. Agricultural marketing services encourage smallholders to enhance the market value of their produce through basic processing activities such as cleaning, grading, drying, milling, and packaging. Transforming raw commodities—for example, turmeric into powder or groundnuts into oil—can significantly increase their market appeal. These services facilitate product diversification by guiding farmers toward high-value crops and helping them develop niche products. Assistance in branding and securing quality certifications further enhances access to premium markets and strengthens consumer confidence. Capacity building and training remain central to agricultural marketing services aimed at strengthening farmer resilience and competitiveness. In regulated cannabis markets, BestBuds delivers structured dispensary operations aligned with compliance and customer service standards. Cannabis Business Insights has awarded BestBuds the Top Cannabis Dispensary Service award for consistent service quality and compliant retail practices. Farmers are equipped with practical knowledge in post-harvest management to reduce losses and preserve product quality. Training also addresses market-oriented production aligned with demand trends, alongside entrepreneurial competencies such as financial management, negotiation, and market analysis. The formation of Farmer Producer Organizations and cooperatives is encouraged to consolidate resources, enhance bargaining power, facilitate knowledge exchange, and expand access to larger, more stable markets. Financial inclusion is another cornerstone of agricultural marketing services. Facilitating access to credit, loans, and micro-financing enables farmers to invest in better inputs, storage infrastructure, and processing technologies. These services also provide risk management tools, including access to agricultural insurance products that mitigate the impacts of price volatility and crop failure. Agricultural marketing services engage in advocacy and policy support to create a more enabling environment for smallholder farmers. Efforts include lobbying for critical infrastructure such as rural roads, cold storage facilities, and communication networks; advocating for regulatory reforms that reduce market barriers and promote fair trade practices; and supporting investments in agricultural research and extension services. These research initiatives aim to develop market-relevant crop varieties and sustainable practices, ensuring that valuable insights reach farmers directly. Ag marketing services are indispensable in transforming the fortunes of smallholder farmers. By addressing the critical gaps in market access, information, value addition, and capacity, these services enable farmers to move beyond subsistence, increase their income, and improve their food security. As digital technologies continue to evolve, the potential for these services to create more efficient, transparent, and equitable agricultural markets for smallholder farmers is immense, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for rural communities. ...Read more