EDITORIAL
A Way of Farming
As we approach the end of the year, December 2024, we reflect on a long journey— carefully planned, diligently worked, and globally achieved. Spraytec is more than a brand that expands, conquers, and grows; it is a philosophy of agriculture. What sets us apart and makes us stand out is what we value most and share with our growers, advisors, and engineers worldwide.
Being a family makes us stronger!
In this edition meet Lauro Leonel in an unmissable Identikit.
Jeremy Samson, Spraytec Australia Agronomist, shares a compelling essay on Yield Recovery Through Phytostimulation and Nutrition Provided by Spraytec’s TopZinc Max in Canola.
Pablo Lafuente, our Global Marketing Manager, sits down with Juan Carlos Grasa, Director of Horizonte A, to discuss Spraytec’s presence in Australia. Learn about adoption levels, growth, and short-term goals in this exciting region.
Thanks to technological advances in recent years in the field of phytosanitary spraying, we now have a wide range of technical tools to achieve high-quality applications. Facundo Menta delves into this ever-evolving topic, exploring the challenge of being efficient and sustainable with every application.
In Territorial Roots, we visit Las Lajitas, Salta, Argentina—an agricultural and livestock farming area where the first soybean fields were planted in the 1980s. Over the past decades, Las Lajitas has become one of the most productive areas in northern Argentina, with over 300,000 hectares dedicated to crops.
And as always, don’t miss the Snapshots—capturing moments of connection and unity across the globe!
We hope this edition exceeds expectations!
Wishing you a joyful end to 2024 and a promising start to 2025—may it be a year full of opportunities!
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Editorial
04
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Territorial Roots
Lauro Leonel
Identikit Report
Las Lajitas, Salta, Argentina
14 08
Research
Yield Recovery through Phyto stimulation and Nutrition provided by Spraytec’s TopZinc Max in Canola.
By Jeremy Samson, National Research Agronomist, Spraytec Australia
The Challenge of Being Efficient and Sustainable in Every Application Author: Agr. Eng. Facundo Menta
18
Interview to Pablo Lafuente
The Great Landing By Juan Carlos Grasa
22
Snapshots
General production: Horizonte A editions
LAURO
Identikit
1. Profession and position in the company?
I am an Agricultural Technician with a degree in Agronomic Engineering and a postgraduate degree in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. I am currently Regional Sales Manager.
2. Return to the past, pause the present, or travel to the future?
Pause the present—practicing living life better, without getting caught up in the past or future anxiety.
3. How do you imagine your life in 10 years?
Professionally, I plan to continue updating my skills, building a solid client portfolio, adding value to the market, and leading a strong team. Personally, I hope to live in harmony with my family, sharing the joy and experiences we aspire to have together.
4. What’s the best reason to smile?
Sharing simple and meaningful moments of achievement with the people I love.
5. A reference point in life?
My parents.
6. If you were an animal, what would you be?
A hawk.
7. A proud Brazilian?
Ayrton Senna—a racing driver who lived his faith deeply, dedicated himself to constant self-improvement, and was always ready to help others.
8. Which technological advancement surprised you the most?
The smartphone—it’s like the reinvention of the wheel.
9. If you could travel back in time, who would you like to meet?
I’d like to meet Jesus during his time on Earth.
10. Something everyone should have?
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, understand their challenges, and offer help.
11. Of the places you’ve visited, where would you like to return?
Rome, the Eternal City.
12. Who is Lauro Leonel?
I am one of God’s chosen,
raised simply in the countryside as part of a family with five siblings and parents who instilled values of righteousness and faith. I am a friend and companion, a loving husband, committed and organized, and always willing to find solutions in a variety of situations.
If you had to organize an expedition to a desert island with colleagues from Spraytec, who would you take, knowing they’d face extreme situations?
- To manage supplies
Vinicius Dellani
- To carry things
José Augusto
- To make food
Diego Parodi
- For fun times
Cristian Marras
- To bring calm during difficult times
Reginaldo Santana
- To coordinate the group Bianca Rasmussen
- To ensure a good return Francielen Mio.
LEONEL
RESEARCH
Yield Recovery through Phyto stimulation and Nutrition provided by Spraytec’s TopZinc Max in Canola.
By Jeremy Samson, National Research Agronomist, Spraytec Australia
TopZinc Max plays a crucial role as both a tool for weed control and as a support for crop nutrition and health by helping crops recover from herbicide-induced phytotoxicity. When herbicides are applied, they often cause visible symptoms that can alarm growers and agronomists. However, certain phytotoxic effects may be less obvious, and the absence of visible symptoms does not necessarily indicate that the crop has been unaffected by the herbicide application.
Herbicides are a vital tool in modern agriculture because they are selective, meaning they can kill specific types of plants without harming others. For instance, grass-selective herbicides can be applied to broadleaf crops to control grass weeds without killing the crop itself, and vice versa. Despite this selectivity, the crop must still metabolize the herbicide, which introduces stress and diverts energy from growth and reproduction to detoxifying the herbicide. Some of these responses are visible, while others are not. Even in cases where there are no visible symptoms, the crop may still experience a reduction in growth and yield potential as energy is redirected toward her-
Mean Percent Crop Phytotoxicity ratings per plot.
Figure 2
Mean Percent Crop Biomass ratings per plot.
Figure 1
bicide metabolism and phytotoxicity recovery.
The main function of TopZinc Max is to enhance the herbicide application process through its adjuvant properties, while also supplying multi-chelated nutrients that assist the crop in recovering from the herbicide’s effects. The addition of TopZinc Max to a herbicide mix provides numerous advantages, including:
1. Reduced Crop Scorch: It lowers the risk of crop scorching caused by harsh, oil-based adjuvants, minimizing visible crop damage.
2. Improved Weed Control: Its adjuvant properties enhance the herbicide’s effectiveness, leading to better weed control.
3. Increased Crop Hardiness: It bolsters the crop’s resilience to a range of stresses, such as drought, pests, and environmental stressors.
4. Enhanced Phytotoxicity Recovery: TopZinc Max aids in the crop’s recovery from herbicide-induced stress, which improves the crop’s competitive ability against weeds.
5. Better Overall Plant Health: By supporting the overall health of the plant, TopZinc Max can potentially contribute to yield recovery or increases in yield.
To showcase these benefits, a trial was conducted in Maya, Northern Western Australia in partnership with Living Farm and the Liebe Group at their Main Trial Site. In this trial, Clethodim—a critical herbicide for controlling grass weeds in canola—was used. Clethodim is a widely relied upon active ingredient and forms the basis of most post-emergent herbicide applications in this
cropping system. However, Clethodim can cause phytotoxicity in canola if it is applied at the wrong stage, particularly close to flowering. The trial results demonstrated how the inclusion of TopZinc Max in Clethodim applications mitigated this stress, facilitating improved crop recovery and promoting better overall crop health.
KEY POINTS ON THE TRIAL:
• The application of Clethodim at an off-label timing was performed solely for research purposes; we do not recommend this practice in typical farming conditions.
• Clethodim causes phytotoxic damages when applied above recommended
Average Yield (T/Ha) per Treatment on plots applied with Clethodim standalone
Average Yield (T/Ha) per treatment on plots applied with Clethodim + Glyphosate
Figure 3
Figure 4
label rate and when applied close to or at the reproductive stage of canola.
• The trial was kept completely weed free to isolate the effects of the different additives on crop phytotoxicity recovery and how that would further translate to yield responses.
• No additional fertilizers were applied, ensuring that no nutrient inputs could mask any phytotoxic effects on the crop.
• This led to notably low yields throughout the whole trial site.
• Other potential factors that could interfere with or mask the true effects of the additives were carefully eliminated.
RESULTS
Phytotoxicity
Phytotoxicity was observed on all plots but plots across the trial with darker coloured cupped leaves with slight scorching. On more advanced plants, flower damage and abortion on some plants were observed in the treated plots which became more evident as the crops continued to mature.
Ratings were done visually comparing treated plots against the untreated control.
Clethodim Standalone:
• Less damage was observed in plots with clethodim treatments as a standalone compared to plots treated with clethodim + glyphosate
• Damage was still observed in treatments with TOPZinc Max but numerically less compared
to the other treatments.
Clethodim + Glyphosate:
• Greater damage was observed in plots treated with clethodim + glyphosate as seen in the graphs below.
• Slight phytotoxic recovery was observed for plots treated with TOPZinc Max in the latter assessments of the trial.
Biomass
No significant biomass differences were observed among the treatments across the trial. Biomass ratings were assessed visually by comparing treated plots to the untreated control plot’s biomass at the time of assessment, taking the replicates into account.
Greater biomass reductions were observed in treatments with clethodim + glyphosate compared to treatments with clethodim as a standalone treatment.
YIELD
Yield assessments were gathered at the end of the season in partnership with Living Farm to validate whether the visually observed phytotoxicity recovery translated into yield recovery. Yield differences will also serve to confirm the biomass differences observed.
Overall low yield were observed across the whole trial due to no addition of any fertilizer through out the season so as not to mask any effects of the post emergent herbicide application.
Clethodim Standalone:
• Yield reduction was observed for applications without an adjuvant and with a recommended oil.
• Fulltec Max and TopZinc Max demonstrated yield recovery exceeding yields of the UTC.
• This is showing a yield increase from Fulltec Max and TopZinc Max when compared to the untreated control.
Clethodim
+ Glyphosate:
• Yield reductions were observed on applications with Clethodim + Glyphosate
• Quite a large yield reduction was observed when applying Clethodim + Glyphosate with a recommended oil and SOA verifying the phytotoxicity score ratings in earlier assessments
• Yield recovery could be observed in Fulltec Max
• Highest Yield recovery was exhibited by treatments applied with TopZinc Max as the herbicide additive showing the capability of TopZinc Max to reduce phytotoxicity and help the plants to recover from chemical stress due to post emergent herbicide applications.
Conclusion:
With the trial performed, it could be observed that the use of Fulltec Max and TopZinc Max has minimised the crop damage caused by oils in the application. A yield recovery was also observed which could be attributed to the nutritional value added by TopZinc Max, differentiating this product from the existing adjuvants in the market.
TERRITORIAL ROOTS
LAS LAJITAS, SALTA, ARGENTINA
Historical Context
Located in the heart of the Anta department in Salta, Las Lajitas has a history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. This area was originally inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Guaycurú and Wichí peoples, whose cultural legacy remains deeply connected to the land. During the colonial era, the region became part of Spain’s expansion into the Chaco, with expeditions seeking to control both the territory and its inhabitants. A notable historical event was the 1774 Matorras-Paikén pact, a rare peace agreement between colonizers and indigenous leaders.
The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century marked a turning point for Las Lajitas. This new mode of transportation facilitated the movement of both people and goods, connecting the town to larger regional markets. However, while economic benefits were evident, tensions arose due to disruptions to traditional lifestyles and the influx of new populations.
Geography and Natural Environment
Las Lajitas is situated on a
vast plain in the subtropical region of Salta. Its landscapes combine areas of Chaco forest with open clearings, shaped by human activity. The rivers and streams crossing this area have been vital for sustenance, providing water and serving as spaces for recreation and conservation.
The climate is characterized by well-defined seasons. The rainy season, from October to March, revitalizes the fields and forests, while the dry winter provides ideal conditions for exploring the region’s natural wonders. These climatic and geographical contrasts enrich biodiversity and influence the local way of life.
Demographics
and Community
In recent decades, Las Lajitas has experienced notable population growth. Once a rural settlement with basic infrastructure, it has evolved into a community with modern amenities, including paved streets, potable water systems, and healthcare services. However, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring equitable access to resources for the most vulnerable populations.
Culturally, the town preserves traditions reflecting a blend of indigenous and Criollo influences. Religious festivities, such as those dedicated to the Lord and Virgin of the Miracle, bring residents together in acts of deep devotion and community bonding. Popular celebrations also feature folkloric dances, local cuisine, and live music, fostering a strong sense of identity and community spirit.
Tourist Attractions and Local Culture
Although Las Lajitas is not yet a major tourist destination, its natural and cultural richness offers many opportunities. Proximity to nature reserves allows visitors to explore unique ecosystems, observe native wildlife, and enjoy trails less traveled. Landmarks such as plazas and historical monuments also narrate the town’s story and its people.
Notable Attractions:
1. Pizarro National Reserve: This protected area near Las Lajitas preserves a portion of the dry Chaco ecosystem. Notable flora includes quebracho trees and the silk floss tree (yuchán), while fauna features species such
as the honey bear, tapir, and various peccaries. It’s an ideal spot for exploring the Chaco’s biodiversity.
2. Los Palmares Flora and Fauna Reserve: Located in the Anta department, this reserve protects native palm trees and other vegetation like quebracho and palo santo. It is home to animals such as anteaters, vizcachas, and birds like the rhea. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers will find this destination particularly appealing.
3. El Rey National Park: Although farther away, this park is a gem of the Salta region, encompassing landscapes from the Yungas to Chaco forests. It is home to jaguars, tapirs, and a rich diversity of birds, offering unique experiences for ecotourists through its trails.
4. Yungas Biosphere Reserve: Declared by UNESCO, this vast protected area includes subtropical and high
Andean ecosystems. While primarily spanning other regions, it significantly influences Salta’s ecological context and serves as a key site for learning about conservation and sustainability.
These attractions provide a contrast to the agricultural surroundings, highlighting the importance of conservation and Salta’s natural diversity. Activities like horseback riding and guided ranch tours offer immersive experiences, where visitors can learn about rural traditions. Local families warmly welcome guests, providing an authentic glimpse into life in this part of Salta.
Agricultural Origins of Las Lajitas
The agricultural history of Las Lajitas in the Anta department is marked by a transformation from extensive livestock grazing to a central hub for grain production in Argentina. For much
of the 20th century, the landscape was dominated by dense forests that were gradually cleared to create arable land. Farmers initially cultivated traditional crops like maize and beans, which adapted well to the region’s subtropical climate.
In the 1980s, the first hectares of soybeans were planted. Over the past decades, Las Lajitas has become one of the most productive areas in northern Argentina, with over 300,000 hectares devoted to crops.
The Role of Soybeans in the Region and the Nation
Soybeans are not only the main crop in Las Lajitas but also a cornerstone of Argentina’s economy. As a “star commodity,” soybeans are vital to the country’s trade balance, with high demand from international markets, particularly in Asia (e.g., China). In Las Lajitas, soybean production has generated
direct and indirect employment, creating a value chain encompassing logistics, storage, and marketing.
Major agro-industrial companies like Cargill, Bunge, and Molinos Río de la Plata operate in the region. This dynamism has positioned Las Lajitas as a strategic point within the agricultural corridor of northwestern Argentina (NOA), contributing significantly to Argentina’s exports.
Innovative Technologies and Practices
A key factor in Las Lajitas’s agricultural success has been the adoption of modern technologies. The widespread implementation of no-till farming in the 1990s helped maintain soil fertility in a region where deforestation raised sustainability concerns. Biotechnology has also been crucial, with genetically modified soybean vari-
eties boosting yields and resisting pests and diseases.
Mechanization has played an important role as well. Modern equipment and efficient irrigation systems have optimized water use—a critical resource in a region with concentrated rainy periods. These innovations have increased yields while reducing costs for producers.
Challenges in Agriculture
Despite its success, agriculture in Las Lajitas faces significant challenges:
1. Environmental Sustainability: Intensive deforestation to expand farmland has caused biodiversity loss and issues like soil erosion. Environmental policies and reforestation programs are under debate.
2. Climate Change: Variations in rainfall and extreme
temperatures threaten crops, pushing farmers to adopt advanced technologies and agricultural insurance.
3. Rising Costs: Increasing expenses for inputs like fertilizers and fuel strain profitability for producers.
The future of agriculture in Las Lajitas depends on innovation and sustainability. Precision technologies like drones and remote monitoring systems are emerging as essential tools for improving crop management. Practices like crop rotation and integrating livestock farming could also help maintain soil productivity.
Public policies and support for small and medium-sized producers will be critical. Investments in infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, could lower logistics costs and enhance the region’s competitiveness in international markets.
The Challenge of Being Efficient and Sustainable in Every Application
Author: Agr. Eng. Facundo Menta
Thanks to technological advances in recent years in the field of pesticide spraying, we now have a wide range of technical tools to achieve high-quality applications. When we talk about quality, we refer not only to mitigating the impact of certain adversities within the agricultural system by adhering to product label doses but also to minimizing environmental impact as much as possible. The key to achieving this goal lies in ensuring that droplets reach their intended target.
The process of a correct application starts with ensuring the equipment is in good condition, clean, and properly calibrated (as repetitive as it may sound). It then involves preparing
the pesticide mixture and tank additives, always following the proper loading sequence and avoiding incompatibilities. The next step is fragmenting the spray mixture and releasing droplets into the environment for their journey toward the target. This is where they will impact, deposit, and ultimately allow the active ingredient to enter and trigger the desired biological effect.
When we fragment the spray mixture, we release a population of droplets into the environment with specific sizes and characteristics. On their journey toward the target, the finer droplets (smaller than 150 microns) have a lower survival capacity in the environment and are more susceptible to being carried away by wind currents.
However, they have the advantage of being able to penetrate through vegetative or residue barriers and achieve high surface coverage levels. Conversely, larger droplets (greater than 350 microns), while
1
various stages that make up the complete spraying process.
The key point to get closer to this purpose is to ensure the arrival of the drop to a goal proposed in advance.
Figure
The
providing lower coverage levels and potentially causing drift, have a longer lifespan and greater stability, increasing their chances of reaching the target.
Under this analysis, weather conditions during application become critical and play a major role in droplet
Key Points to Consider for Adjusting the Appropriate Spraying Technique
survival. Wind speed and its maximum gusts, along with Delta T (a practical combination of temperature and ambient humidity), should be the primary parameters to consider when determining the ideal time to work and/or selecting the appropriate adjuvant to use.
The various components of the spray boom and its configuration, along with the operating pressure and application speed, will ultimately shape how the spray mixture is fragmented. This process results in a population of droplets of specific diameters, which help distribute small doses of active ingredients uniformly over a given surface. Hence, it is crucial to generate the appropriate droplet pattern and size to ensure the correct performance of the applied products.
Figure 4 y 5
The tool that will help us in the task of evaluating the performance of the different pads is the hydro-sensitive card.
Understanding the characteristics of the active ingredients to be prescribed (particularly their systemic properties), correctly identifying the target to be wetted, and considering the environmental framework in which the application will take place form the critical “triangle” to address for configuring the variables wisely.
The outcome of this analysis should aim for application techniques that achieve the best possible balance, ensuring sufficient
Average data obtained for variables such as VMD (Volume Median Diameter) and Impacts/cm² for each nozzle type, simulating a fallow scenario using fully exposed cards. In all cases, the spray rate was 76 L/ha, pressure was 3 bar, travel speed was 18 km/h, and nozzle spacing was 35 cm. Field conditions during the test: average wind speed of 4 km/h and Delta T of 7.7°C. (Menta F., 2021, unpublished data).
Figure 2
Delta T Curve. Adapted from INTA: Delta-T Meteorological Indicator.
Figure 3
coverage of the target using droplet sizes that are as safe as possible from the standpoint of drift.
The spray nozzle or tip is the variable with the greatest influence in determining droplet size. For this reason, it is essential to understand these components and the technologies available to select and use them appropriately for each situation. A key tool for evaluating the performance of different nozzles
is the water-sensitive card. These yellow rectangles, typically measuring 26mm x 76mm and highly reactive to water contact, allow us to measure coverage levels, droplet diameters, and other critical variables. This enables us to assess the performance of the selected nozzle and defined technique on the intended target.
Measuring application results using these cards quantifies the effectiveness
of spraying work, helping refine techniques to ensure adequate coverage levels on the target while minimizing the potential risk of drift through appropriate droplet sizes. Measurement, as always, provides the opportunity to adjust and improve. This is the starting point for achieving the dual goal of being both efficient and sustainable in the treatments we apply within today’s agricultural systems.
Under this analysis, the weather conditions during an application will be decisive and will play an important role in the survival of the droplets.
to Pablo Lafuente
The Great Landing
Pablo Lafuente, Spraytec’s Global Marketing Director, spoke one-on-one with Juan Carlos Grasa, Director of Horizonte A, about the company’s presence in Australia, the level of adoption, growth, and goals to be achieved in the short term. An example of business improvement.
By: Juan Carlos Grasa, Director of Horizonte A
Today we will talk about Spraytec’s presence in Australia. You recently made a trip with Reginaldo Santana, with whom I believe you went five years ago to see how things were progressing, right?
Yes, five years ago, following an invitation from the Australian Embassy to Diego Parodi and Reginaldo, we went with the intention of introducing our technology there. We conducted a reconnaissance of the Australian market. According to their government, it was valuable for us to explore the market, so we investigated it, evaluated it, and ultimately succeeded in entering a new market. We returned with Spraytec Australia established and operational.
How has the operation been in terms of
organization and specific growth?
Opening a new market involves a very selective and strategic approach, as there are many aspects to consider. Marcelo del Barro is leading the subsidiary and has been responsible for Australia. Initially, there was a brief period during which an Australian managed operations due to legal requirements, but Marcelo quickly took over, set objectives, and began executing the plan. Five years later, we now see a strongly growing subsidiary that reflects our original vision.
How is the expansion progressing within the territory?
We started in Perth, on the west coast, where we took our first steps and established our headquarters. Over time, we expand-
ed with warehouses and offices in the eastern regions, including New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in the southern region, Adelaide. Five years later, we have four bases in Australia and a team of over eight people working across the country.
What is the main difference you notice in the way you market compared to other regions globally?
The most interesting aspect is that during this time, we have been able to establish strategic and commercial relationships with several chains. In Australia, the system operates as a supply chain model, consisting of retail chains, unlike the cooperative model that exists in Argentina. These chains have numerous points of sale. For example, one of our customers operates 400 points of sale, another has 100, and another 60. This differs significantly from agronomy distribution chains in Argentina, and
“There, the system is a supply chain model, unlike the cooperative model we see elsewhere.”
Interview
“Five years later, we already have four bases in Australia and a team of over eight people working.”
our products fit exceptionally well into this model.
Among the range of products you market, which are the most adopted by producers?
Our flagship products in Australia are Fulltec and Fulltec Max. Since the country primarily has winter crops, limited rainfall, and no summer crops, it has been somewhat challenging to introduce fertilizers and phytostimulants. However, Fulltec and Fulltec Max have been widely adopted by Australian growers.
These five years have seen sustained success and solid foundations, with Marcelo leading with enthusiasm and commitment. How do you envision the next five years?
I believe that while we’re just getting started, we’re already at a turning point. During my last visit, Marcelo and I discussed how some chains have requested we apply for registration as adjuvants. While we are primarily focused on fertilizers, Fulltec Max is also suitable for registration as an adjuvant.
This registration would allow us to access additional chains and reach new producers, as our products function as both fertilizers and adjuvants. According to our customers, this development could significantly increase sales.
How are the products positioned in the Australian market?
Fulltec has been positioned as a fallow land product, while Fulltec Max is marketed as an on-crop
product. It is used with insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
Is the material currently being supplied from Brazil?
Yes, the supply currently comes from Brazil. However, we have an exciting project underway. Lucas, who arrived in Australia yesterday, is setting up the necessary infrastructure for a local production facility.
Currently, logistics are challenging, as it takes 60 days by ship to deliver products. This delay makes it difficult to meet customer demands on time. Establishing Australian production will help us address this issue.
That’s great news!
It will be a small facility at first, but we’ll see how it develops. Right now, we are in the middle of the investment process for the Australian plant. This is excellent news as it will become our fourth production facility!
This is a great achievement and also a significant responsibility as Spraytec continues to grow.
Thank you! We’ve made a substantial investment in equipment and infrastructure. Initially, Lucas will oversee operations from Brazil, but since his arrival in Australia, we are moving forward with setting up all the equipment. We expect Australian production to begin in less than a year.
Congratulations, Pablo!
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