Safety and precision in seed treatment begin before planting. In this context, Industrial Seed Treatment (IST) becomes increasingly important because it centralizes the application of inputs in specialized facilities, with equipment and parameters capable of improving control over the dosing, mixing, and distribution of products.
A study by Embrapa Soja, conducted with 61 soybean seed producers from 12 Brazilian states, shows the extent to which industrial processing has already taken hold in the sector.
In the 2022/2023 crop year, 36.3% of the seed volume sold by participating companies was treated using TSI. Among the advantages cited are a lower risk of exposure to the products used, greater precision in the doses applied, and better quality and uniformity of the seed coating.
Practical results in terms of quality and consistency
The study also cites an evaluation of 150 seed samples, in which those treated using TSI tended to show better results in terms of quality and uniformity compared to those treatedon the farm, particularly in aspects such as seed coating and dosage accuracy.
In this context, industrialization also reduces the need for product handling on the farm and promotes greater standardization across batches. While this does not eliminate the need for good practices, the use of protective equipment, and compliance with technical recommendations, it does add an extra layer of control to a critical stage of production.
“Advances in TSI are driven by the need for greater control and standardization in product application. The greater the control over application, the lower the process variability and the greater the consistency of the treatment,” says Milton Ribeiro, COO of Laborsan Agro.
Additional Considerations Regarding Implementation
After treatment, the seeds still undergo handling, storage, transportation, and sowing. Therefore, in addition to application precision, characteristics such as coverage, adhesion, drying, and abrasion resistance also influence the maintenance of the coating’s quality.
Laborsan Agro operates in this stage using technologies focused on seed coating. The company develops solutions for film coating, using polymers and drying agents that improve the adhesion of the applied products, aid in drying, and enhance seed flow.
“It’s not enough to apply the inputs precisely. It’s important that the treatment maintain its quality throughout the subsequent stages, until the seed reaches the planting site. That’s why the coating’s adhesion and durability are also key components of an effective TSI,” explains Milton Ribeiro, COO of Laborsan Agro.
For the company, the evolution of TSI requires that operational safety, application precision, and coating quality be considered together. The combination of controlled processes with technologies designed to maintain the coating helps reduce variations throughout the treatment.
About Laborsan Agro
Laborsan Agro is a Brazilian company with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in the development and marketing of technologies for the agribusiness inputs sector. Its portfolio includes polymers and drying powders for seed coating using film coating technology, as well as other solutions designed for seed treatment and processing.
