“The adoption of amino acids in agriculture is a relatively recent, but growing phenomenon…”
Cesar Augusto Vilela is the agribusiness manager at Ajinomoto do Brasil, with a degree in advertising and marketing from FAAP, and a postgraduate degree in business administration from Mackenzie Presbyterian University.
Cesar Vilela, agribusiness manager at Ajinomoto
AgriBrasilis – What are the organomineral fertilizers?
Cesar Vilela – The Ministry of Agriculture classifies fertilizers into four main categories.
Mineral: made from natural minerals or chemical compounds.
Organic: based on organic matter, such as manure or plant compost.
Organomineral: they combine organic and mineral materials, improving nutritional efficiency and soil health and offering a balanced nutritional profile for plants.
Biofertilizers: products that include beneficial microorganisms to stimulate plant growth.
The organomineral fertilizer market has grown significantly, not only in Brazil, but worldwide, driven by the search for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. They help increase yields, the quality of agricultural production, to improve water retention and promote sustainable agriculture.
“Amino acids are mainly integrated into high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, to maximize plant vigor and resistance”
AgriBrasilis – What legislations regulate the registration of this type of product?
Cesar Vilela – Law No. 6894/1980, which regulates the inspection and monitoring of fertilizers and was updated by other regulations, such as Law No. 12890/2013.
Decree No. 4954/2004, which details this law’s regulations, with changes implemented by Decree No. 8384/2014.
Normative Instruction No. 61/2020, which defines rules for organomineral fertilizers, includes specifications, guarantees, registration, and parameters related to new technologies and to agronomic efficiency.
In addition, other regulatory frameworks, such as the National Solid Waste Policy and chemical safety standards, affect the manufacturing and usage of these products. These regulations ensure that fertilizers are safe, effective, and sustainable, in line with the best environmental practices.
AgriBrasilis – What is the outlook for this market?
Cesar Vilela – According to data from the Brazilian Association of Plant Nutrition Technology Industries – Abisolo, the market for special fertilizers in Brazil, which includes organomineral fertilizers, has been growing at an average of 12% per year. Projections from Dunham Trimmer indicate that global growth, until 2030, will have a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 12%.
Farmers have adopted these products due to their advantages in improving product quality, increasing yields, and reducing environmental impacts, which generates a positive return over investments and reinforces agricultural sustainability.
AgriBrasilis – What is the level of adoption of amino acids in agriculture?
Cesar Vilela – The adoption of amino acids in agriculture is a relatively recent, but growing phenomenon. Studies show that amino acids are mainly integrated into high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, to maximize plant vigor and resistance.
The technology is still being developed to fully understand its benefits, but it has great potential. Ajinomoto do Brasil’s solutions, such as the AMINO line, for example, have stood out for incorporating specific amino acids that act on various physiological processes inside plants.
AgriBrasilis – What are the main amino acids, and how do they influence plant growth?
Cesar Vilela – There are 21 essential amino acids, with five being widely used in agriculture:
- Proline: fights abiotic stress by eliminating free radicals and protecting plant cells.
- Arginine: acts in the nitrogen metabolism, promoting cell growth, increasing plant reserves and delaying aging.
- Glutamic Acid: a powerful complexing agent, essential in the absorption of nutrients, especially nitrogen, and in increasing plant vigor.
- Lysine: improves energy production and strengthens plant defense systems.
- Glycine: recognized for its complex capacity to promote the plant’s energy metabolism.
In addition, there are new amino acid combinations and technologies that can increase the strength and resistance of plants.
The Agribusiness division of Ajinomoto do Brasil manufactures fertilizers based on amino acids. Our products are manufactured at our units in Limeira and Laranjal Paulista, State of São Paulo. Our portfolio includes 13 products, divided into three main lines: AJIFOL®, AMIORGAN® and AMINO.
We recently announced the reformulation of AJIFOL® Gold+ and AJIFOL® Premium+, mixed mineral fertilizers that change the way crops are nourished. Produced with cutting-edge fermentation technology to provide a superior balance of macro and micronutrients, the products act as allies for farmers seeking excellence and efficiency in their crops.
AgriBrasilis – How does Ajinomoto turn its by-products into fertilizers?
Cesar Vilela – Ajinomoto do Brasil aims to contribute to well-being in an increasingly sustainable way and to promote a regenerative cycle for the planet with the circular sustainable production process, known as the Biocycle. During the manufacturing of our products, we reuse the by-products from the extraction of sugarcane, one of our main raw materials, and we transform them into fertilizers. Our partners use these same fertilizers in sugarcane farms, which results in this circular process.
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