Bridging Yield Gaps in Corn-Soybean Cropping Systems: A Joint Initiative Between ESALQ/USP and CFAES/The Ohio State University

• Grant number: 25/17671-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Giovana Ghisleni Ribas
• Grantee: Giovana Ghisleni Ribas
• Principal researcher abroad: Osler Ortez
• Institution abroad: Ohio State University , United States
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Piracicaba

Abstract

This collaborative project between ESALQ/USP and The Ohio State University aims to investigate yield-limiting factors in corn-soybean rotation systems across tropical and temperate environments, represented by Brazil and the United States. The research will be based on farm-level data from Mato Grosso, already collected in 2024-2025, and long-term datasets from Ohio, applying standardized analytical methods to estimate yield potential, identify yield gaps, and understand the main management factors driving system efficiency. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, the project seeks to integrate research, teaching, and extension through joint publications, extension articles in Portuguese and English, workshops in both countries, exchange missions between researchers, and technical field visits to farms and partner institutions. Capacity building is also a central component, including a four-month Visiting Scholar program for a Brazilian student at The Ohio State University. Expected outcomes include practical management recommendations for sustainable intensification, higher productivity and profitability of cropping systems, as well as the submission of a joint proposal to FAPESP or international agencies by 2027, consolidating long-term scientific cooperation between the partner institutions. (AU)