An Overview of Research and Innovation in Stonemeal Technology in Brazil
摘要
Stonemeal, an agricultural practice where rock dust is used as an agricultural input, is a promising technological procedure in Brazil that has ensured its role as a leader in the agricultural sector. This chapter analyzed articles published in four editions of the Brazilian Stonemeal Congresses (BSC), which were held in 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2021. We examined identifying trends, recurring themes, types of rocks, agricultural crops and soils, as well as the main research groups, the most frequently used methodologies in the analyses, and the results listed in the articles. The systematized data were analyzed from a total of 108 articles. Our survey enabled us to establish correlations derived from the data using the IRaMuTeQ software. The results of this analysis show that stonemeal research in Brazil encompasses several objectives, including the extraction/ processing of rocks and their main characteristics, how they are used in different types of soil, and the benefits they offer to plants. Soybeans and maize were the plants that were tested the most. However, several identified challenges need to be addressed, including the expansion of research groups, the concentration of research on a limited number of crops, and the need for public policies that promote the adoption of this technique among a diverse range of farmers. After systematically analyzing the results, we concluded that stonemeal has the potential to contribute to a robust, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system in Brazil.