Edition - April 2025

TOPICAL NEWS

SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE

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LIVESTOCK FARMING

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Agri-data: collect, analyze, and integrate

Tropical legumes: a strategic alternative for subtropical livestock farming

NOTEWORTHY ASSOCIATE From drummer to farming leader and ultrarunner

WINTER CROPS Winter season: water helps, strategy defines

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STAFF RESPONSIBLE EDITOR

Dorrego 1639 Piso 2 Of. A Tel. 0341 426 0745/46 aapresid@aapresid.org.ar www.aapresid.org.ar

President of Aapresid Marcelo Torres

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PROSPECTIVA

ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Paola Díaz

Carolina Meiller

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rodrigo Rosso

Elisabeth Pereyra Laureana Uboldi Victoria Marcuzzi

WRITING AND EDITING

COMMUNICATION

Antonella Fiore Sofía Colalongo

Lucía Cuffia

Florencia Novau Matilde Gobbo Florencia Cappiello Elina Ribot Magalí Asencio Agustina Vacchina Delfina Sanchez Sofía Cabral

TRANSLATION

CHACRAS SYSTEM

Laura Cudugnello

Andrés Madias Suyai Almirón Magalí Gutierrez Lina Bosaz Solene Mirá Ignacio Sanguinetti María Florencia Moresco

CONTENT MANAGEMENT María Eugenia Magnelli PROOFREADING AND EDITING

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Daiana Fiorenza Chiara Scola COORDINATING MANAGER Tomás Coyos PROSPECTIVE PROGRAM Rodrigo Rosso Antonella Fiore Lucía Morasso Delfina Petrocelli Sofía Colalongo RESOURCES GENERATION Matías Troiano Alejandro Fresneda

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM Mailén Saluzzio Federico Ulrich AAPRESID CERTIFICATIONS Juan Pablo Costa Rocío Belda Myrna Masiá Rajkin Ramiro Garfagnoli ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE Cristian Verna Vanesa Távara Dana Camelis María Laura Torrisi Mariana López Daniela Moscatello Samanta Salleras Julieta Voltattorni PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

PEST MANAGEMENT NETWORK

Macarena Vallejos

Eugenia Niccia Juan Cruz Tibaldi

PUBLIC POLICIES

AAPRESID REGIONALS Carla Biasutti Virginia Cerantola Bruno De Marco Joel Oene Eugenia Moreno María Florencia Accame

Jorgelina Traut INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS Karen Crumenauers

The publication of personal opinions expressed by collaborators and interviewees does not imply said opinions are necessarily shared by the Aapresid management. The total or partial reproduction of the contents without the express authorization of the publisher is prohibited.

SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE

Agri-data: collect, analyze, and integrate The evolution of big data is driving profound changes in agriculture by improving productive efficiency and optimizing resource use.

Collecting, managing, and analyzing data enables the acquisition of precise information about soils, weather, crops, and markets, facilitating smarter and more sustainable production.

By Dr. Hugo Permingeat Technological Prospective Committee of Aapresid

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Data management in agriculture was historically basic and depended on direct observation and manual record-keeping. However, the rapid emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) changed the scenario radically. These innovations enable massive and detailed data collection and analysis, transforming agriculture into an information-rich industry. It is estimated that by

2035, a typical farm will generate more than four million data points daily. Analyzing and sharing data enables pattern recognition and knowledge acquisition—previously unattainable—thereby improving agricultural practices (Uyar et al., 2024).

Data have become essential for many agribusiness models that, through investments in analytical technology, maximize data value.

Thus, big data acts as a catalyst for new business models aimed at managing information efficiently. Numerous studies emphasize that precision agriculture, resource optimization,

and supply chain efficiency benefit greatly from data analysis. Data encompasses multiple inputs, ranging from conventional observation records to advance technology, such as satellite imagery, IoT devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, and machine learning (ML) models. These data cover a variety of aspects, such as weather, soil, crop yields, pest and disease occurrence, and supply chain dynamics. Proper management enhances decision-making and optimizes resource use, transforming data into an strategic asset for modern agriculture.

"These data cover a variety of aspects, such as weather, soil, crop yields, pest and disease occurrence."

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The constant influx of data has shifted the challenge from acquisition toward reutilization and conversion into useful knowledge. Beyond data collection, true value lies in their transformation into practical information supporting crucial decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and stimulating innovation. Data are significantly relevant to addressing challenges including resource optimization, productivity growth, waste reduction, and climate change mitigation. For instance, real-time data

integration with predictive models enables farmers to optimize decision-making on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, promoting efficient and sustainable production. Nevertheless, data impact on agriculture extends beyond technological advances and encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects (Uyar et al., 2024; Zhang, 2024).

Zhang (2024) suggests that data value is determined by three features: collection, processing, and analysis. Agricultural data compilation has numerous sources, such as soil, weather, and crops. Soil composition, for example, is an indicator that can be monitored through specialized sensors to assess nutrient contents and pH levels, facilitating efficient fertilization.

In addition, meteorological stations and satellite technology provide real-time information about temperature, humidity, and rainfall, assisting farmers with agricultural planning. Plant growth monitoring through image sensors enables timely detection of pests and diseases. Moreover, the use of advanced technology, namely soil and weather sensors, remote satellite sensing, and machinery with automated monitoring systems, has established the foundation for smart agriculture and big data analysis (Zhang, 2024; Soussi et al., 2024).

Data quality depends on proper cleaning and processing, which ensures reliability and utility. Such cleaning entails the removal of outliers and completion of missing values; while processing refers to applying statistical and machine learning algorithms to extract relevant information, including growth trends and pest forecasting. Effectiveness in these aspects improves predictive model precision, which is essential to manage risks like climate change and pest outbreaks. Data mining and modeling have become a crucial means for sustainable development of smart agriculture (Zhang, 2024; Botero-Valencia, 2025).

One practical example of this potential is the study

by Anjum et al. (2025) on the application of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in the Agriculture Resource Management Framework (ARMF). Their research emphasizes how the combination of big data and IoT enhances agricultural efficiency and productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Integrating cloud computing, IoT sensors, and advanced data processing has enabled the development of more

"Data are no longer seen as agricultural by-products but as a strategic asset capable of redefining business models."

efficient and scalable agriculture management systems. Among their primary accomplishments are water use optimization, soil monitoring, and decision-making improvement. BDA-ARMF integrates several data sources in a single digital platform, employing predictive algorithms to anticipate real-time meteorological trends, water requirements, and pest risks.

Recognition of data value has changed how the agricultural sector is perceived. Data are no longer seen as agricultural by-products but as a strategic asset capable of redefining business models. Unlike other assets, data are not always commercialized in conventional markets, but their importance lies in their capability to generate future benefits. On digital platforms, their true impact is materialized when all elements operate in a coordinated manner. Within this context, many agroindustries have developed their own platforms to obtain competitive advantages by leveraging the power of information (Uyar et al., 2024).

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Conclusion Agriculture's evolution into a data-driven model has significantly transformed resource management, production optimization, and strategic decision-making. Big data, IoT, and AI technologies provide access to real-time information on soils, weather, and crops, facilitating more efficient and sustainable practices. However, the true value of data resides not only in collection but also in processing, analyzing, and integrating into digital platforms that maximize their utility throughout the entire agrifood chain.

As the sector invests in digital infrastructure and data-driven business models, its capacity to address global challenges, such as food security and resource use efficiency, strengthens.

In this scenario, smart agriculture is regarded as the foundation for sustainable development, promoting innovation and competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected environment.

REFERENCES

Check the references by entering www.aapresid.org.ar/blog/revista-aapresid-n-240

LIVESTOCK GANADERÍA FARMING

Tropical legumes: a strategic alternative for subtropical livestock farming Tropical legumes can make the difference in subtropical livestock farming. Here is which species to select and how to handle them.

Although a large part of the debates on livestock farming often focuses on temperate systems, we cannot ignore that production in subtropical climates represents a significant portion of Argentine livestock farming. Provinces like Corrientes, Chaco, Formosa, and Santiago del Estero account for nearly 30% of our breeding cows, proving the relevance of these systems.

In these areas, megathermal or subtropical C4 pastures and indicine crossbreeding characterize the forage foundation.

By: Dr. Agr. Engr. José Martín Jáuregui Adjunct professor - Forages Course (FCA - UNL).

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Nevertheless, have we ever pondered certain special features of these pastures? I would like to begin this article by sharing a field experience that portrays a very common challenge.

Several years ago, during a visit to a livestock

establishment near the city of Quimilí, in Santiago del Estero—a subtropical area with a clear dry summer season—I observed fields with superb Gatton Panic (Panicum maximum) pastures, many of them with over 15 years old. When we analyzed the forage production curves alongside the farm manager, we noted that the grass only 'woke up' and began to actively produce in November, despite the fact that rainfall and temperature had already been favorable since September. That is to say, between 45 and 60 beforehand.

To the question of whether fertilization was performed, they firmly responded: "There is no need to, these soils contain over 80 ppm of phosphorus." Even though phosphorus (P) is crucial, the answer indicated possible confusion.

What was probably limiting early emergence was not P but nitrogen (N). Air temperature and humidity were already sufficient in September, but the main early source of N is soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization. In addition, the soil takes longer to warm up than air due to its thermal inertia (Figure 1). Thus, there was a discrepancy between the plant’s demand for N (activated by aerial conditions) and the site’s supply (limited by soil temperature for mineralization).

Figure 1. Air temperature (light-blue line) and soil nitrate content (green line). Note the discrepancy between temperature and nitrate levels since September. Adapted from Echeverría & Bergonzi.

Such circumstances, which many of you might have observed in your lands, pose crucial questions: Can we hasten and boost the production of these pastures by incorporating tropical legumes? Which could be the most suitable species under our specific conditions?

How should they be managed? What limitations would have to be confronted?

"Additionally, grazing activities without proper restoration, contribute to the gradual loss of productivity or the noticed 'degradation' in perennial tropical pastures after several years of use."

The importance of nitrogen The situation in Santiago del Estero exemplifies a common issue in pure tropical pastures: nitrogen limitations. C4 grasses produce large biomass volumes with high carbon-nitrogen (C-N) ratio, while generating residues that, when decomposed, can

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temporarily immobilize soil nitrogen. Additionally, grazing activities without proper restoration, contribute to the gradual loss of productivity or the noticed 'degradation' in perennial tropical pastures after several years of use.

Nitrogen fertilization is a valid tool, but its cost and logistics—due to required regular application—limit its widespread adoption in subtropical extensive systems, besides its environmental impact.

Tropical forage legumes become a biological and sustainable alternative. Through symbiosis with bacteria (Rhizobium or Bradyrhizobium) in their root nodules, these legumes perform Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF), transforming atmospheric N2 into usable N for the plant. This nitrogen not only nourishes the legume plant but is also incorporated into the cycle of soil nutrients

through the decomposition of residues—leaves, stem, roots—and root exudates, becoming partially available for accompanying grasses.

This process improves the quality of animal diet by containing more protein, boosts the total production of the associated forage, and reduces or eliminates the need for nitrogen fertilizers.

Although BNF rates vary according to species, site, and management, contributions between 75 and 150 kg/ha per year are most common in well-managed tropical systems, representing a significant nitrogen input into the system.

Challenges and opportunities Despite the advantages, the adoption of tropical legumes has faced several obstacles: persistence issues due to grazing activities, competition with aggressive C4 grasses, greater requirements for certain nutrients (P, Ca, Mo), establishment difficulties, and, in some cases, limited availability of commercial seeds.

However, research and experience have proven that many previous failures were due to inappropriate management rather than inherent incompatibility. Today, we have a better understanding on how to choose adapted species and, most importantly, how to manage them to ensure their contribution and persistence.

Legume options for Argentine subtropical area Choosing the proper legume depends on the site—soil, water regime—and the productive system. According to their persistence strategy, they can be grouped into:

1. Annual or biannual legumes with high natural reseeding rates These are species that persist year after year owing to their abundant seed production, as well as their ability to germinate and establish from the soil seed bank. Their management must ensure the completion of their reproductive cycle.

They are useful in short rotations or to revitalize degraded pastures. Among the most promising local options are:

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Macroptilium lathyroides cv. ‘Mancebo’: Selected by the Universidad Nacional del Litoral, it is a summer annual legume adapted to welldrained sandy or clay loamy soils, with pH of 5.5-8 and rainfall of 600-1,200 mm. The species tolerates temporary droughts but no shading. It produces superb quality forage with up to 26% of initial gross protein and 70-74% of digestibility without causing bloat. It is distinguished by its initial vigor, regrowth capacity, and ability to

nodulate with native rhizobia. Tests conducted in Sinsacate (Córdoba), Quimilí (Santiago del Estero), and Reconquista (Santa Fe) report pure productions ranging from 3,700 to 9,000 kg DM/ha, and significant contributions to associations with sorghum, rhodes grass, or Panicum coloratum. Incorporating this legume considerably improves animal weight gain and dietary protein balance. To ensure reseeding, seed production should be allowed.

Associated Macroptilium lathyroides with tropical grasses.

Aeschynomene americana cv. ‘Brava’: This biannual hybrid, which may behave as an annual species due to frosts, is able to adapt to humid and/or flooded environments in subtropical areas, even tolerating temporary flooding and pH > 5.5. It grows remarkably fast and erect, reaching up to 1.80-2.00 m, with high palatability and good quality levels of up to 20% gross protein and 70% digestibility. Flowering occurs late, in March, which ensures a good seed bank before winter. Nodulation is spontaneous, and the legume associates well with bunch grasses, such as Setaria, Rhodes, Dichanthium, and Tanzania, although it requires careful management—low initial density or strip sowing—to avoid excessively shading the grass during the first year. It is ideal for enhancing degraded pastures in low-lying soils, serving as a summer-winter protein bank, for use in creep-grazing, as a summer cover crop, or in sequences with annual ryegrass using fixated N.

"Research and experience have proven that many previous failures were due to inappropriate management rather than inherent incompatibility."

Aeschynomene americana under grazing in Queensland, Australia.

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2. Perennial stoloniferous legumes These species persist via vegetative growth through stolons, making them more tolerant to continuous grazing when the competition for light is properly managed.

Arachis pintoi (forage peanut): Low-growing, herbaceous, perennial species. Highly adapted to low-fertility acidic soils. Cultivars, such as Belmonte, Amaryllis, and BRS Mandobi have proven great persistence—over 9 years under testing—and good compatibility with Brachiaria spp. in humid tropical climates. The main issue is the production and cost of the seed.

Arachis pintoi associated with Brachiaria.

Desmodium heterocarpon subsp. ovalifolium: Another perennial stoloniferous option, with cultivars like Itabela, which has demonstrated

good persistence in associations with Brachiaria in tropical humid areas.

3. Other options (crown perennial plant) Species like Stylosanthes guianensis cvs.

‘Mineirão’ and ‘Bela’, can be highly productive, particularly during dry seasons, but its long-term persistence under grazing depends more on natural reseeding.

The key: proper grazing management There is not a single management plan for all legumes. It is crucial to adapt the method to the type of predominant legume: Stoloniferous (Arachis, Desmodium): The goal is to manage grass height to allow light to reach basal stolons.

Continuous grazing: Maintain heights at 20-25 cm—for Marandu + A. pintoi.

Rotational grazing: Begin grazing at 95% of Light Interception (LI)—24-30 cm for Marandu + A. pintoi—and leave a remnant of approximately 15 cm. Prevent pastures from surpassing 100% of LI, as this shades the legume.

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Annual/Biannual Reseeding legume (Macroptilium, Aeschynomene): The focus is on allowing the production of viable seeds before the end of the cycle or frosts. This may imply delaying final grazing or reducing animal trampling during flowering or fruiting. Due to its rapid initial growth, Aeschynomene 'Brava' requires caution in associations to avoid suppressing the grass. Macroptilium 'Mancebo' requires compliance with grazing height (>50 cm) and remnant (20 cm) to benefit regrowth and production.

Crown Perennial Legume (Stylosanthes): Similar to annual legumes, management should respect periods enabling seed production to maintain population in the long term.

Conclusions Real field experiences, like the one in Santiago del Estero, in addition to local and international research, confirm that tropical and subtropical forage legumes are a strategic tool for livestock farming in our region. They address nitrogen limitations biologically, enhancing the productivity and sustainability of systems.

The success of these legumes, however, is not spontaneous.

Adapted species should be selected according to each specific site—drainage, pH, rainfall—and, essentially, grazing must be properly managed. Promising domestic options, such as Macroptilium cv. ‘Mancebo’ for well-drained areas and Aeschynomene cv. ‘Brava’ for humid environments, alongside the perennial potential of Arachis pintoi, are solid alternatives.

Integrating legumes entails management adjustments, but the reward—including higher animal production, lower costs, and tangible environmental benefits—considerably justify the effort.

NOTEWORTHY ASSOCIATE SD - SOCIO DESTACADO

From drummer to farming leader and ultrarunner Father of four, grower, vice president of Aapresid, and ultrarunner with a heavy metal past, Tomás Oesterheld runs across life like he does in races: with unfaltering steps and enjoying it all throughout.

"While we are alive, we need to move"

Running is not only a way to train the body. It means much more to Tomás: it helps him stay organized, to connect, it makes him focus, and it amuses him. Aapresid member—and today vice president—model technician, part of the team that propelled the Regional Trenque Lauquen, Tomás Oesterheld also grows pumpkins and tomatoes in

By Lucía Cuffia

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his house garden, accompanies both processes and people, and races as he lives: with dedication, discipline, and meaning.

It all started with 100 meters and a suffocating sensation impossible to forget. Nowadays, he runs 300 kilometers every month. Along the way, there was a coherence-driven life change: "I insist so much on changing working habits that I could not ask for it if I did not start myself."

The decision he undertook helped him lose his extra weight, and running became a part of his weekly routine.

Brief profile

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onth 0 km per m 0 3 s n u R ✓ l band heavy meta a in s m ru ✓ Played d arieties 0 tomato v 0 d Juan 1 r e v o d Gonzalo, an , ra o M ✓ Cultivate , s á ur: Tom father of fo d n a li a P to ✓ Married auquen f Trenque L o y it c e th in elves" ✓ Resides within ours in g e b s e g that "chan ✓ Believes

8+10+9+15+21+12= 75 km by the 14th week of 2024. 1005 km by the first quarter.

Tomorrow, Monday 1st, a nice day to renew goals or habits.

His social media posts reflect his perseverance, as well as how he makes room for something that is good for him, despite an occasionally full agenda.

A week with few taken pictures, and a weekend of 50 km to compensate for a tight-scheduled week...

He recognizes that the change was not easy but not difficult either. "I found it a little less hard than I had imagined," he says. Tomás always liked sports: he played soccer, rugby, and golf for a long time.

His wife Paula, or 'Pali' as they call her, already ran, which influenced his decision to start running.

His first race was 15 km in Buenos Aires in 2018.

Afterwards, he ran several 21 km races, until he decided to run the 42k race in Buenos Aires, gaining the title of 'marathoner'—within the runner community, one becomes a marathoner only after compelting a 42 kilometers race. Later, he started with mountain races, with his greatest achievement being the 60 km at the official single lap race of Lago Epecuen, his second ultramarathon.

Alongside his wife Pali, at the 50 km in El Paso Austral, first ultramarathon.

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The 60 km of @vueltaallagoepecuen are over, with the long-standing support of the family, Pali and Juan on-site, but feeling everyone else despite the distance. Great race, harsh weather, late thirties for some time now (...) A special mention to the girls at the 54 km post, who helped me collect my thoughts and gave me the "last push" to get to the finish line let's keep it up... (11/26/2023) It is often said that, to run these types of distances, one needs 50% body and 50% brain. However, Tomás prefers to say that one needs 100% body

and 100% brain. "Mostly during ultramarathons, where you need both fully active."

The phrase 'let's keep it up' he repeats in several of his posts is not unintentional: As soon as one race finishes, he begins to look for new challenges.

"When I achieve a certain distance, I cross it out but don't settle down. I had run 60 km and I'm already thinking about running more." This year, he is preparing for the three-day Andes Crossing trek, and he is eager to run an ultramarathon of 80 or 100 km next fall, "we'll see."

A heavy metal band and an agricultural career Tomás was born and raised in Buenos Aires, although he was always in touch with the countryside. Both his father’s and mother’s families had farms, so he remembers having spent entire summers among animals and rural activities as a child.

As a teenager, he played drums in a heavy metal band. "I thought I could live off music, but then I realized I couldn't." One day, he accompanied his cousin to enroll for the Technical Degree in Farming Production at the Catholic University of Argentina, and after reading through the subjects list, Tomás asked for a form and enrolled as well.

Upon obtaining his degree, he was offered work in the west of Buenos Aires and he did not hesitate.

He remembers this scene very well: standing at Retiro bus terminal, bag in hand, while looking at a

map to locate the town of Pellegrini. "I didn't know if it was to the north or to the south of Buenos Aires; that's how I ended up establishing myself in the west."

Tomás finally put down roots in Trenque Lauquen and grew both as a professional and as a person.

There, he built bonds and formed his family. He had four children with Paula: Tomás, Mora, Gonzalo, and Juan, the couple's 'fantastic four', as he once presented them on social media. It was there and then that his relationship with Aapresid began.

Family picture. Tomás and Pali with their four children: Tomás, Juan, Mora, and Gonzalo

Every road leads to Aapresid Tomás had known about Aapresid’s existence for years, but he did not imagine relationships or involvement with it. Until one day the opportunity arose when Hernán Dillon summoned him to create the Regional Trenque Lauquen. Both eagerly approached those slightly isolated farmers with the idea of developing a community, helping each other, and working together. Since then, almost twelve years have passed.

It was an eye-opening experience for Tomás.

He discovered a space where joint work and collaboration are vital, something very different from his usual 'self-employment' life. "Aapresid taught me a great deal about teamwork; here I understood the value of sharing one's knowledge and be willing to learn from other people."

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Besides being a member of the institution, he is also the vice president. "You keep on accepting incoming invitations, that’s how you create your path," he says, as if he was talking about a long, several-stage race but with the same goal: growing as a team. Today, his phone is a witness of this journey: he counted them and there were 17 WhatsApp group chats related to Aapresid he is involved in.

"But from what goes wrong is where you learn the most."

"From what goes wrong is where you learn the most" Joining an activity at Aula Aapresid.

Tomás divides his day-to-day time between working as a consultant in 'classic' production companies and contributing to technology incorporation in agriculture—another exciting activity for him. There, he dives deep into digitization processes, always focusing on people.

Because, as he says, "technology advances at full speed, whereas people try their best."

Such 'technological thread' has woven his entire career, but what interests him the most is the human side: he is convinced that the great obstacle, and simultaneously the driving force, of every change are the individuals.

10+5+40=54 k by the 23rd week of 2024.

The m42 of 50km marathon in Villa Ventana didn’tt turn out as expected. But from what goes wrong is where you learn the most.

Let's keep it up..

That is why he insists that the Argentine countryside still has much to improve, and repeating that 'we are the best in the world' does not help. "We are world champions because we won the World Cup, not because we are the best in the world regarding agriculture. That idea, instead of pushing us up, slows us down. To change, we must first assume that there are things to improve."

Under the moon, running the 60 km at the official single lap race to Lago Epecuen.

The vegetable plot and a goal archive he reviews every Sunday Even though today he dedicates less time to it than he once did, Tomás defines himself as a grower.

It has been nearly 20 years since he got involved in this world, and he has exchange seed varieties via mail with people from numerous places. In his vegetable plot he has sown over 100 varieties of tomato and even grown a giant pumpkin of 140 kg, which was exhibited on the streets of Trenque Lauquen and ended as an attraction during a celebration at his children’s school.

On Sunday mornings, Tomás rereads a document he updates every year with phrases and personal goals. "It helps me not to lose my focus." He likes to write and often shares what he thinks on social media; he does not even rule out the possibility of writing a book. "It may happen someday."

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Homegrown crop. He had over 100 varieties of tomato in

his plot.

He likes to write and often shares what he thinks on social media; he does not even rule out the possibility of writing a book. "It may happen someday."

The giant pumpkin he cultivated, which weighted almost 140 kg.

WINTER GANADERÍA CROPS

Winter season: water helps, strategy defines

Upon well-moisturized soils but under a challenging economic environment, Aapresid regional members reveal the methods to overcome the winter crop season.

By: Agr. Engr. María Eugenia Magnelli To Prospective Aapresid

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Although there are exceptions, end-March and April rainfall brought relief in most of the Pampas region, while presenting an encouraging outlook for the coming winter crop season. Wheat appears once again as the predominant crop, joined by other options for rotation.

The upcoming cycle arrives in times of great economic uncertainty, strongly conditioning decision-making. To confront this situation, Aapresid regional members analyze the variables that will define the season, aiming at managing resources efficiently, boosting yields, and maximizing profitability in each production area.

Every millimeter matters In Southwest Buenos Aires Province, Agr. Engr. Guillermo Divito—regional technical assistant (RTA) at Regional Aapresid Necochea, and consultant—claims that regarding weather conditions they are sound. He explains that water is never limited in the area owing to adequate precipitation during winter. "By the end of February and March, accumulated rainfall reached over 200 mm, enabling groundwater levels to rise due to highly moisturized soil profiles."

Precipitation was also favorable in South Santa Fe Province. Despite being slightly overdue for defining yields in summer crops, sufficient rainfall during March and April ensured an abundant water reserve useful to face the winter season, says Agr. Engr. Marcos Guazzaroni—RTA at

Regional Aapresid Venado Tuerto, consultant, and farmer. "Wheat has a water use efficiency of around 13 kg per millimeter, which is why it is not the same to have a soil water profile with 100 mm, 150 mm, or 200 mm. Moreover, the presence of the water table can be beneficial: understanding that our land has a subsurface supply of water may earn us several kilograms of wheat," Marcos says.

In Southeast Córdoba Province, Gerardo Gutiérrez—Regional Aapresid Laboulaye—states that water content varies according to the area, "some places have 400 mm, while others have 150 mm; the latter lack sufficient moisture for the profile to be full, which is why crops will be diversified in case of further precipitation," he says.

Approaching coastal areas, Agr. Engr. Rodrigo Penco—RTA at Regional Aapresid Paraná, and consultant—states that soil profiles are initially well supplied in the largest part of Entre Ríos Province, creating favorable conditions for sowing and the emergence of winter cereals, such as wheat and barley, with high yield potential.

“The accumulated moisture content during fall is crucial for proper initial establishment. Although

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there is some superficial moisture deficit mostly in the north, specific management of available water will be necessary."

On the other hand, the situation is not very encouraging in Center-north Santa Fe. Agr. Engr.

Navier Picco—RTA at Regional Aapresid Vilela and consultant—indicates that soil profiles are dry and conditions are not suitable for sowing. "During the first days of April, rainfall levels ranged from 50 mm to 60 mm, but we need to accumulate 150 mm more before May. It is necessary to consider that, in our area, water replenishment occurs in fall; and according to historical averages, there is minimal precipitation as of June."

When figures are tight, analyzing cost and profitability is needed The economic context imposes caution on production decisions, particularly on leased fields.

Thus, Rodrigo Penco points out: "Rental prices did not decrease, particularly for high-quality fields, resulting in narrower gross margins. Wheat stock prices are currently around ARS 235,000 per ton; the break-even yield under lease is nearly 2,900 kg/ ha, a demanding threshold that requires efficiency."

Considering decreased grain values, Guillermo Divito adds: "Price outlooks for fine-grain crops are worse than, for example, sunflower and corn. In Southeast Buenos Aires, this can cause a reduction in the cultivated area of those fields that may produce good yields by sowing these crops. In fields with lower potential, meaning coarse or shallow soils, fine-grain crops are still a better option, which might not reduce the cultivated area that much."

To address the pressure on wheat crops, the RTA of Regional Paraná emphasizes that they are studying rotation alternatives. "Flax is still unappealing, with 6,600 ha in 2024-25, due to its high break-even yield of 1,200 kg/ha under leasing, in comparison with historical averages. On the contrary, brassicaceae—such as canola, carinata, and camelina—are gaining attention as an option

"A thorough expense analysis and a profitability pursuit will guide technology adoption and agricultural decision-making."

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for diversification, forecasting an area exceeding 20,000 hectares (BCER) with similar break-even yields of 1,200 kg/ha, but a production average of 1,600 kg/ha in the past seasons, offering an interesting potential margin. Peas are also being considered, but they are still not regarded as a stable option in agricultural rotation."

The RTA at Regional Vilela claims they are still aiming at sowing cover crops in the center of Santa Fe. Although overall input prices have decreased, the increase in this season’s cultivation costs remains present. Under this scenario, cost management is crucial against price volatility. A thorough expense analysis and a profitability pursuit will guide technology adoption and agricultural decision-making. Thus, Marcos Guazzaroni stresses the role of the consultant as an essential figure to determine and optimize the area to be cultivated.

Fine-tuning in agricultural planning Taking costs into account, the season will demand a specific management of available water, as well as yield-boosting strategies. Therefore, agricultural planning should be meticulous.

Penco mentions as crucial aspects the proper selection of cultivars—noting cycle length, health state, and yield potential—and sowing dates that place crops’ critical period under the best environmental conditions: good radiation, no late frosts or heat waves, while maximizing resource use.

Another variable to analyze in depth is crop nutrition. On this matter, Guazzaroni underlines the importance of soil testing, as it provides very useful and well-founded information, not only to define our production site but also to adjust fertilization.

The decline in fertilizer prices is an incentive.

Although the final figure is not yet defined, the optimal value of input-output ratio can be observed a priori. "This would suggest that wheat may play an important role this season. Nutrition is the master key for reaching maximum productivity at our site, as well as enhancing the system’s profitability and sustainability," he says. Moreover, Gerardo Gutiérrez highlights the use of variable-rate fertilization applications as a vital aspect.

"When there is water in the profile, wheat responds well, explaining why it is properly fertilized. A method we have been employing in the past years in Regional Vilela is applying—inrow or broadcast—all the fertilizer (urea and/or phosphorus) before sowing so the seeder can incorporate it. That way we free ourselves from what happens during July and August, which are months with minimal precipitation in the center of Santa Fe," Picco adds.

Regarding weeds, Divito states that their management is the primary challenge in Southeast Buenos Aires, particularly for ryegrass and cruciferous weeds. Therefore, the strategy is controlling ryegrass in April, during early growth stages, due to restrictions on herbicides use in wheat and barley cultivations. It is necessary to

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"Barley often requires one or two fungicide applications, similarly to wheat varieties with some type of susceptibility to diseases."

consider that a 10-15 days interval should be left between herbicide application and sowing. "In difficult fields with either weed, the intention is using residual herbicides during pre-sowing and pre-emergence, with further attention on postemergence stages," he stresses.

Regarding diseases, RTA at Regional Necochea suggests implementing regular treatment: "Barley often requires one or two fungicide applications, similarly to wheat varieties with some type of susceptibility to diseases."

To overcome the coming season, technology adoption and close monitoring of the marketplace will be essential. Similarly, Rodrigo Penco mentions precision agriculture, the use of variablerate inputs, and Agtech as allies to improve efficiency and refine agro-economic decisions.

Additionally, he underlines the importance of monitoring prices and trade conditions, both at domestic and international levels, in order to define selling strategies, especially for wheat crops, intended for the local market and export.

It will be crucial for farmers to adapt by employing detailed agricultural and financial planning, along with strategic use of technology. The success of the season will depend on how resources are managed, as well as the capacity to overcome challenges with flexibility and a prospective outlook.

We appreciate Guillermo Divito, Marcos Guazzaroni, Gerardo Gutiérrez, Rodrigo Penco, and Navier Picco for their valuable contributions to this article.

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