A soil productivity system reveals most Brazilian agricultural lands are below their maximum potential

Abstract

AbstractFood production is extremely dependent on the soil. Brazil plays an important role in the global food production chain. Although only 30% of the total Brazilian agricultural areas are used for crop and livestock, the full soil production potential needs to be evaluated due to the environmental and legal impossibility to expand agriculture to new areas. A novel approach to assess the productive potential of soils, called “SoilPP” and based on soil analysis (0–100 cm) - which express its pedological information - and machine learning is presented. Historical yields of sugarcane and soybeans were analyzed, allowing to identify where it is still possible to improve crop yields. The soybean yields were below the estimated SoilPP in 46% of Brazilian counties and could be improved by proper management practices. For sugarcane, 38% of areas can be improved. This technique allowed us to understand and map the food yield situation over large areas, which can support farmers, consultants, industries, policymakers, and world food security planning.