Argentina Soybean Yields Jump 77% on Pig Wastewater

• Bullish: Argentine field trials show soybean yields rising 77% (2.6 to 4.6 t/ha) and corn yields up 7,000 kg/ha using pig wastewater technology, with notable long-term soil fertility gains.
• Bearish: Potential future expansion of this technology in South America could add to global soybean supply and pressure prices, while rising Russian fertilizer output may raise input competition and costs for Black Sea producers.

Argentina Wastewater Technology Boosts Soybean and Corn Yields

Eight-year field trials in Despenaderos, Argentina, conducted by INTA and the Cordoba Pig Breeders Association (CAPPCOR), demonstrate that pre-treated pig wastewater applied via pivot irrigation can substantially raise crop productivity. Soybean yields increased from 2.6 tons/ha to 4.6 tons/ha when wastewater was combined with mineral phosphorus, a 77% improvement. For corn, the most cost-effective strategy was applying wastewater without additional mineral inputs, underscoring the value of the effluent as a complete organic amendment.

The technology also delivered meaningful soil quality benefits over the eight-year period. Organic matter content rose by nearly 1%, while available phosphorus increased by 35 ppm alongside higher zinc levels. Physical soil properties, including aggregate density and stability, improved, suggesting better long-term soil structure and resilience. A separate four-season trial in Villa Maria del Rio Seco confirmed these findings, with corn yields rising by 7,000 kg/ha and soil phosphorus climbing from 40 to 65 ppm, reinforcing the scalability and consistency of results.

INTA specialist Nicolás Sosa highlighted that pig wastewater should be treated as a complete organic additive rather than a simple fertilizer. Successful use depends on carefully balancing application rates with wastewater composition, existing soil fertility, and crop nutrient requirements. This implies that infrastructure for collection, pre-treatment, and precision application will be critical for commercial deployment, potentially limiting near-term adoption to larger, better-capitalized producers.

Implications for Global Oilseed and Fertilizer Markets

For global oilseed markets, Argentina’s demonstrated productivity gains are notable but remain in the research-to-commercial transition phase. If widely adopted, this technology could raise South American soybean output and exert downward pressure on international soybean prices over the longer term. Such a shift would indirectly challenge Black Sea oilseed competitiveness, particularly if regional producers do not achieve similar yield or soil fertility improvements.

On the fertilizer side, the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association (RAPU) expects domestic production to grow by 3–4% in 2024. Current ruble exchange rates and favorable market conditions are enabling Russia to target expanded exports to BRICS countries. For Black Sea grain and oilseed producers, higher Russian output may support regional yield potential but could also redirect availability toward strategic partners, affecting local fertilizer pricing and access. Overall, the combined impact of Argentine innovation and Russian fertilizer growth is assessed as neutral for Black Sea markets in the near term, with more pronounced effects likely over a medium- to long-term horizon.

Key Agronomic and Market Metrics

Source: Market Data