Sunflower Project Operational Group: Improving the sustainability of sunflowers through conservation agriculture PHASE 2

Improved sunflower germination during direct sowing (a critical crop period), which, combined with lower management costs, will increase farmers' economic benefits. Improved use of machinery for sunflower seed management. This improved use results in greater sowing control (efficiency) and optimized inputs. The solutions found could benefit machinery manufacturers (possible technological improvements or improvements in the use of machinery).

Regarding climate change, lower CO2 emissions and a better energy balance from crop management are expected, due to lower emissions from the soil due to the degradation of organic matter and less use of machinery. Improved arthropod biodiversity and increased soil carbon sequestration by improving soil structure and increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil. Greater training for farmers and technicians, with more tools and knowledge available to address the consequences of climate change. This also increases the resilience of the system.