Argentina adopts wheat strategy to maximize crop profitability

Argentina has launched its wheat planting season alongside the implementation of a comprehensive strategy aimed at maximizing the profitability of wheat production. Researchers emphasize that key productivity drivers depend on adapting agronomic decisions to the specific conditions of each production environment. The National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the National Seed Institute (INASE) have developed the Wheat Evaluation Territorial Network (RET), which enables multi-regional comparison of varieties and selection of the most suitable ones.

Plant nutrition plays a central role in yield optimization. According to INTA, producing 1 tonne of wheat requires around 30 kg of nitrogen, while fertilizer needs vary by yield target: 90 kg for 3 t/ha, 150 kg for 5 t/ha, and 210 kg for 7 t/ha. In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur are essential for root development and grain quality. Under favorable conditions, wheat produces 10–20 kg of grain per millimeter of water, while breeding programs focus on improving drought resilience.

The strategy promotes precise cost management, including split fertilizer applications, use of certified seeds, and replacing routine “calendar-based” treatments with economically justified interventions. This reduces production costs while improving grain quality to higher-value food-grade classes.

Digital technologies such as satellite monitoring, variable-rate application, and GPS-guided machinery are also being integrated, optimizing resource use and reducing fuel consumption by up to 10%, ultimately improving overall farm profitability.

Tags: wheat, Argentina