Embrapa's technological innovation promises to restructure grain production, boosting profitability and minimizing risks in agriculture

Diving into the beating heart of agricultural innovation, a new technology called Anticipe is making waves in the Brazilian grain industry. Originating from the depths of research at Embrapa Maize and Sorghum and headed by the renowned advisor of the CCAS (Sustainable Agro Scientific Council), Décio Karam, this promising technology intends to change the corn planting scenario, generating significant results, minimizing dangers in the crops and, by consequently, increasing agricultural profitability.

Anticipate system: a quantum leap in grain production

Antecipe is a pioneering system that enables the mechanized sowing of corn between pre-harvest soybean rows. After 13 years of intensive research, the team was able to generate the necessary expertise for the triumph of this technology, in addition to creating a highly efficient seeder-fertilizer, capable of adapting to this new model without harming the soybean plantations.

Anticipe brings numerous benefits to rural producers. Karam points out that, among these, “the ability to anticipate corn sowing by up to 20 days, minimizing risks associated with unfavorable weather conditions” is especially notable. This anticipation results in a higher corn yield compared to late planting, as evidenced by studies carried out in several regions of the country.

Clear results: accelerating productivity

Experiments carried out in Goiás, Minas Gerais, Paraná and São Paulo showed the benefits of the technology, with Antecipe facilitating an increase of up to 46 bags of corn per hectare. Furthermore, the anticipation of corn planting in the soybean crop resulted in daily gains in productivity, ranging from 1,5 to 2,3 bags per hectare per day of anticipation.

“It is essential to point out that Anticipe is not intended to replace the traditional crop of second-crop corn, but rather to mitigate the risks associated with late planting. This technology makes it possible to grow corn in regions where the Agricultural Climatic Risk Zoning (ZARC) restricts the second harvest, making it possible to sow mid-cycle soybeans and, simultaneously, sow corn in the ideal window”, explains Karam.

Anticipe requires planning on the part of the producers, demanding the prior identification of the plots where the technology will be applied, taking into account the spacing between the soybean rows. The seeder-fertilizer developed and patented by Embrapa is suitable for the existing spacing on the market, preserving the width of the soybean rows. For greater efficiency, upright cultivars are recommended, with higher pod insertion height and tractors with adequate height.

Anticipe does not interfere with crop management, including fertilization, and the soybean harvest is carried out normally, with the corn plants being cut. According to Karam, taking a different approach is crucial when implementing the technology. He explains that the corn must be planted before the soybean harvest, and even with the mechanical damage caused by the soybean harvester, the corn continues to grow.

For more information about the Anticipe technology and partnerships in its development, visit the Anticipe System page on the Embrapa Portal.