Crop nutrition in Argentina exposes nutrient replenishment deficits
nutrition in Argentina is once again emerging as a structural problem. The gap between grain potential and yields is not explained solely by climatic or genetic factors. Nutrient management—what to apply, how much, and when—determines much of the outcome and today shows a marked deficit.
export activity pressure. Each shipment of soybeans, corn, or wheat carries more than just grain; it also carries nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, which must be replenished if productivity and quality are to be sustained.
Deficit of more than two million tons
The country's six main crops —soybeans, corn, wheat, sunflowers, barley, and sorghum—removed more than 3.5 million tons of nutrients (NPK) in the last season to obtain 130 million tons of grain. However, replenishment through fertilization reached only 1.42 million tons.
In simple terms, about 40% of what crops extract is replaced. The total deficit exceeds 2.1 million tons per season. The economic impact is also significant: estimated at $86.50 per hectare. "Nutrient balances are negative in all cases," explained specialist Esteban Ciarlo, who estimated a national net loss of 56 kg/ha across the main nutrients.
Phosphorus, the most critical bottleneck
Phosphorus appears to be the weakest link in crop nutrition in Argentina. The country loses about 6 kg of P per hectare per year and relies entirely on imports, as it has no phosphate rock of its own.
The phosphorus replacement rate was 57% last season, one of the lowest among exporting countries . "If we don't replace what we extract, we jeopardize future productivity," Ciarlo warned. Programs like SUMA P insist on incorporating this nutrient into the crop rotation as a long-term investment.
Soybeans: where the most is lost and the most can be recovered
Soybeans account for 48% of the extracted nutrients and also a large part of the opportunity. Today, only half of the land is fertilized, and barely 20% of producers conduct soil analysis. "We fertilize without diagnosis," said agricultural engineer Guido Di Mauro of the National University of Rio Grande do Sul.
In the core region, phosphorus levels are low and applied rates are insufficient. This limits yields and can affect protein concentration, a key attribute for the processing industry. Management experiences show that adjusting sources, rates, timing, and application methods increases production and improves quality.
Export scale and systemic view
Export logistics adds an additional angle. Each ship that departs from the ports of Greater Rosario also represents nutrients that the soil loses. According to the Rosario Stock Exchange, in 2024, this area was the second largest exporter in the world , with 66 million tons shipped. "Each shipment reflects not only grains, but also nutrients that we must replenish," Roberto Rotondaro recalled.
Roadmap for the 25/26 campaign
The technicians' recommendations come together on three fronts:
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Diagnosis. Generalize soil analyses to define real needs by environment and crop.
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Balanced replenishments. Include phosphorus as a base, sulfur as a partner, and planned nitrogen in corn and wheat, without neglecting potassium where appropriate.
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Timeliness and precision. Calibrate equipment, choose appropriate sources, and apply them at the most efficient times.
"Argentina is one of the world's leading soybean producers; we need to close this gap through improved soil nutrition and greater technological adoption," Di Mauro concluded.
Sources: FERTILIZAR AC
