Agricultural inputs are very important for crop production. They are characterized, for example, by soil fertilizers, pest control, equipment and new technologies to optimize the crop.
Inputs improve quality and productivity in agriculture.
It is therefore necessary to constantly develop new techniques and applications, in accordance with the quality certifications defined by the market.
So how can you efficiently manage your inputs? Read on to find out more in our guide on the topic.
What are agricultural inputs?
Agricultural inputs are chemical, mechanical or organic products used in the cultivation of plants, animals and in the entire agro-industry. They can be inputs for soil, plants or animals in agricultural production.
Soil inputs include fertilizers that help provide nutrients to plants.
In the case of plant inputs, the category may include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, which help protect against pests and diseases.
Inputs for farm animals can include antibiotics, hormones and vaccines, which help keep them healthy.
Without adequate inputs, plants do not grow as well and can become sick or die, as they are more susceptible to the effects of the weather and pests present.
In addition, the animals would have more diseases and would not produce as much milk or meat, nor of the same quality.
In other words, agricultural inputs are essential vietnam whatsapp data elements for the production of healthy food.
Examples of agricultural inputs
There are countless examples of agricultural inputs, such as:
agricultural pesticides , which control pests;
fertilizers , which nourish the soil and strengthen vegetables;
agricultural equipment , such as combine harvesters, which are responsible for simplifying sowing and cultivation.
Furthermore, inputs are divided into types, such as biological and mechanical, which we will explain in detail below.
How important are agricultural inputs for agribusiness?
In precision agriculture , the importance of the use of inputs comes from investment in technology.
This makes it possible to control the pace of production and growth and manage profits, with more economical and sustainable use, combating pests, restoring the soil and reducing water costs.
Although agricultural inputs are used in two forms of production, each has particularities in the way it is carried out.
Traditional agriculture : prioritizes maximum productivity in the shortest possible time, and uses chemical, synthetic and mechanical fertilizers. Focusing on quantity and efficiency,
Organic farming : follows a long-term model, using natural raw materials, excluding chemical substances. Focused on rural integration and product quality.
It is important to keep in mind what type of agriculture the business will follow, in order to be able to look for alternatives that best adapt to its type of production. However, both options only benefit from the correct application of inputs.
Types of agricultural inputs
Inputs can be applied in two ways: factors of production and raw materials. The first type refers to capital, profits, demand and equipment; the second deals with the main agricultural products themselves.
Both categories, however, have direct impacts on the final production results. They can therefore be classified as biological, chemical or mechanical inputs. We will discuss each in more depth below. Check it out!
Biological inputs
Biological agricultural inputs include all organic compounds used in agricultural production, such as animal manure, natural fertilizers, fertilizers, insects (pollinating or pest-predating bees), remains of old crops that are mixed with the sun, etc.
Chemical inputs
Chemical inputs for the agricultural sector include materials derived from minerals and rocks, such as limestone. This process follows the same logic as chemical fertilizers and agricultural pesticides.
Mechanical inputs
Mechanical agricultural inputs are composed of machines, equipment, methodologies and agricultural implements , which also concentrate technological innovations. Some of the most common are:
Plows;
Seeders;
sprayers;
Agricultural tractors ;
Irrigation equipment .
Agricultural machinery and implements are great allies in rural routines and in carrying out tasks, resulting in faster processes and greater profitability. We will cover this topic in more depth in the following topics.