Brazil increases use of drip protection for application of biological products

By Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages

Drip protection is the evolution of the old practices of “chemigation,” which consisted of the application of chemicals through irrigation systems.

Mostly used in drip irrigation systems, it is a tool that grows a lot in Brazil, pointed out Igor Lapa, agronomic specialist at Netafim Brasil.

Igor Lapa, agronomic specialist at Netafim Brasil

“We classify it as an evolution because, currently, this action is no longer restricted to chemical products. Now, with the search for increasingly sustainable production, we can use products of biological and organic origin through the mechanism,” he explained.

According to the specialist, the search and the appearance of organic products in the markets, such as specific humic and fulvic acids to be applied via irrigation systems, is growing.

“Following this trend, we also have the growing development of biological products, such as the application of groups of bacteria and fungi, to improve soil biota and crop response, and to combat certain species of nematodes,” Lapa added.

Drip Protection has, according to him, numerous advantages over conventional spraying techniques, such as "greater safety for operators who now no longer come into contact with products during spraying since everything is sent to the field via irrigation."

“In high drip efficiency, the products are applied with greater uniformity and precision, bringing much more savings to the producer since, with the drip application, the product distribution is not susceptible to losses, such as those caused by the influence of strong winds.”

Another positive factor is that the “dispersion of products via the irrigation system is much faster than conventional applications through sprayers,” Lapa highlighted.

“Companies in the various branches of chemical, biological and organic products have already noticed the evolution of drip irrigation systems. Due to this, product options that help fight pests, diseases and improve soil characteristics are growing more and more. The practice of drip protection is expanding around the world, as it provides everything producers are looking for in terms of security and economy,” Lapa said in conclusion.