Corn cultivation: best techniques and main challenges

THE corn cultivation remains one of the most strategic agricultural activities in the world, generating billions and supporting essential production chains, from human food to biofuel production.

In 2025, farmers face a complex scenario: unpredictable climate change, input costs pressured by geopolitical tensions, and increasingly demanding global demand.

But at the same time, there have never been so many tools to optimize crops. New technologies, such as smart soil sensors and genetically adapted seeds, are revolutionizing the field.

The challenge? Knowing how to balance productivity with sustainability, ensuring that corn cultivation remains economically viable without degrading natural resources.

Is the Brazilian producer prepared for this new era?

The Current Corn Scenario in Brazil and the World

Brazil has established itself as a corn giant, being the second largest global exporter, behind only the United States.

According to CONAB, the 2024/2025 harvest is expected to exceed 130 million tons, a significant increase compared to recent years. This progress, however, is not without its obstacles.

The rise in fertilizer prices, impacted by the war in Ukraine and trade restrictions, continues to put pressure on production costs.

Meanwhile, extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts in the South and irregular rainfall in the Midwest, require farmers to adapt quickly.

Regions such as Matopiba (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia) continue to expand their agricultural frontiers, but with a closer focus on soil preservation.

In Paraná and Mato Grosso, where productivity is already high, the focus is on operational efficiency and waste reduction.

The international market also poses challenges. China, the largest importer, has increased its requirements regarding traceability and sustainability. Those who don't adapt risk losing market share.

Read more: International market: how Brazil stands out in grain exports

Advanced Techniques to Maximize Productivity

Soil Preparation: The Foundation for Success

One soil poorly prepared is like building a house on quicksand – no matter how good the seed, the result will be compromised.

Pre-planting analysis is the essential first step. Adequate pH levels (between 5.5 and 6.5) and organic matter are essential for root development.

No-till farming has gained traction, especially in erosion-prone areas. This technique keeps the straw on the soil, reducing water and nutrient loss.

On properties in Rio Grande do Sul, where strong winds are common, no-till farming reduced erosion by up to 70%.

Precision agriculture is also a differentiator. Sensors map variations in soil fertility, enabling targeted application of soil amendments.

A producer from Minas Gerais, for example, managed to increase his productivity by 12% simply by adjusting fertilization based on soil maps.

Seed Selection: Genetics and Adaptation

Seeds are the heart of a crop. Today, modern hybrids offer pest resistance, drought tolerance, and shorter crop cycles, essential for regions with tight climatic windows.

Bt varieties, which produce toxins against caterpillars, reduce the need for insecticides by up to 40%.

But be careful: there's no universal "best seed." In the Northeast, where water stress is common, cultivars like BRS 3046 have excelled.

In the Cerrado, where soil fertility is greater, hybrids with high production potential, such as AG 9090, are more advantageous.

A real case comes from Goiás, where a farmer switched his conventional seed for a drought-tolerant variety and saw his productivity jump from 80 to 110 bags per hectare, even in a year of irregular rainfall.

+ The role of rural extension in training producers

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Intelligent Control

Caterpillars, stink bugs and leafhoppers can decimate a crop if not controlled in time.

THE Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines constant monitoring, natural enemies and strategic application of pesticides.

Trichogramma wasps, for example, are used to parasitize caterpillar eggs, reducing infestations without chemicals.

In Bahia, a group of producers who adopted IPM managed to cut insecticide costs by 35%, while maintaining stable productivity.

The secret lies in weekly monitoring. Pheromone traps help identify peaks in infestation, allowing for precise interventions.

After all, applying insecticide unnecessarily not only increases costs but can also eliminate natural predators.

Efficient Irrigation: No More, No Less

Corn is sensitive to water shortages, especially during flowering. A water deficit at this stage can reduce yields by half. On the other hand, over-irrigation increases costs and can leach nutrients from the soil.

Systems such as center pivots and drip irrigation are the most efficient. Moisture sensors installed at different depths indicate the exact time to irrigate.

On a farm in Mato Grosso, the adoption of sensors reduced water consumption by 25% without harming the crops.

Another strategy is nighttime irrigation, which minimizes evaporation losses. In hot regions like western Bahia, this simple adjustment improved water efficiency by 15%.

+ How the Use of Sensors Can Improve Agricultural Production

The Great Challenges of Corn Cultivation in 2025

Climate Change: The Silent Enemy

Prolonged droughts, torrential rains, and extreme temperatures are already a reality. Last year, delayed rainfall in Paraná delayed planting by three weeks, impacting the crop cycle.

To adapt, many producers are investing in:

• Drought-tolerant cultivars (such as BRS 2020, developed by Embrapa).
• Intercropping systems (corn with brachiaria, which protects the soil and improves water infiltration).
• Agricultural insurance, which has become an ally against climate losses.

One example comes from Rio Grande do Sul, where farmers who adopted rotation with soybeans and pasture reduced the impacts of the drought in 20%.

Production Costs: The Hard Equation

Fertilizer prices still fluctuate due to external factors. To reduce dependence, many producers are experimenting with:

• Bioinputs, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azospirillum).
• Organic fertilization, using compost and residues from other crops.

In São Paulo, a cooperative replaced 30% of chemical fertilizers with bioinputs, maintaining productivity and cutting costs.

Volatile Market: The Game of Prices, in corn cultivation

Demand for corn for animal feed and ethanol is growing, but international prices fluctuate frequently. Diversifying buyers and using futures contracts are strategies to minimize risk.

Innovations That Are Shaping the Future, for corn cultivation

• Digital Agriculture: Drones with thermal sensors detect water stress before it is visible to the naked eye.
• Gene Editing (CRISPR): Research develops corn with a higher protein content for animal feed.
• Bioeconomy: Corn straw is being transformed into bioplastics and renewable energy.

Conclusion

THE corn cultivation in 2025 It's no longer just about planting and harvesting. It's about efficient management, climate adaptation, and smart use of technology.

Those who invest in healthy soil, adapted seeds, and sustainable management not only guarantee productivity today, but also ensure the longevity of the land for future generations.

And you, are you ready for these challenges?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to plant corn?
It depends on the region. In the Central-West, planting occurs between September and November. In the South, from August to October.

2. How to reduce fertilizer costs?
Bioinputs, crop rotation and soil analysis for precise dosage are effective strategies.

3. Is GMO corn safe?
Yes, all varieties approved in Brazil undergo rigorous CTNBio testing.