The natural abundance of elements in the soil does not always mean they are available for plants. Bioavailability refers to the amount of an element that a plant can absorb, usually the portion dissolved in the soil solution. Various factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, pH, organic matter content, and soil water content influence the bioavailability of these elements. Sometimes, elements are not immediately available but are protected by organic matter or other soil components.
Increasing the bioavailability of nutrients in soil is more effective than simply adding more fertilizers. This approach not only protects the soil but also reduces the overall amount of fertilizers needed by farmers.
The availability of nutrients in the soil is closely linked to pedo-climatic parameters. Changes in temperature, oxygen levels, pH, organic matter, and soil water can significantly impact nutrient bioavailability.
TIMAC AGRO focuses on protecting elements from retrogradation and increasing the mineralization of organic matter in the soil. This ensures that nutrients remain available for plants, promoting healthier and more sustainable crop production.
By understanding and managing these factors, we can improve the bioavailability of nutrients, ensuring that plants get the necessary elements for growth without over-relying on fertilizers. This not only benefits the crops but also helps in maintaining soil health for the future.
Our technologies Calcimer, Mescal, Top-Phos, D-Coder, MPPA Duo, N-Process, Minactiv, Physactiv, Phéoflore, Rhizovit LCN, Min’up, Inrizza, Enrgero and Tuval have proven actions towards increasing bioavailability of nutrients.
These actions are in line with the @GroupeRoullier CSR Comitments to make our products more sustainable and contribute to fighting climate change.
At TIMAC AGRO, the environmental impact of our industry is one of our top priorities. For over 20 years, TIMAC AGRO has been a pioneer in the field of renewable energies.
We have integrated innovative solutions to reduce our ecological footprint: biomass. Biomass is a renewable resource derived from organic matter (forestry chips, forestry by-products) transformed into thermal energy.
By replacing fossil gas with biomass in our pellet plants located in France, Brazil, Austria, Belgium and Spain, we avoid the emission of over 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year. This is part of our commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of our industry while actively contributing to the energy transition.
This transition continues with the inauguration of the 9th biomass boiler in TIMAC AGRO’s industrial park in December 2024, at the Zone Industrielle factory in Saint-Malo. This project is part of our global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of cutting emissions by 15% by 2030 on scopes 1 & 2 . With a capacity of 4 MW, this biomass boiler will cover around 80% of the thermal needs of the Saint-Malo site, replacing gas consumption. It will reduce emissions by over 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Biomass is sourced locally, within a 150 km radius of Saint-Malo, and is based on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified wood, guaranteeing sustainable and respectful forest management.
At TIMAC AGRO we will continue to innovate and invest to limit our environmental footprint while meeting the essential needs of our industry and our customers.
Since 1985, TIMAC AGRO has worked with passion and expertise to help breeders meet the challenges of sustainable, high-performance livestock production. This year, we celebrate 40 years of innovation, proximity and solid partnerships, marking an important milestone in our company’s history.
In the 1980s, when agriculture was undergoing profound changes, TIMAC AGRO identified a growing need for technical support to improve the quality of life of animals and optimize farm performance. In 1985, TIMAC AGRO set up its Animal Production department to provide innovative, customized solutions tailored to farmers’ needs and local conditions.
Over the decades, TIMAC AGRO has developed unique expertise in animal nutrition. By collaborating with researchers, institutes and agricultural partners, we have developed high value-added solutions. These innovations, whether nutritional supplements, welfare enhancers or adapted programs, aim to reconcile economic performance with respect for the environment.
TIMAC AGRO’s success in livestock production is based above all on the proximity and trust established with our farmers. Our Field Representatives are present on a daily basis to understand the needs of each operation, propose appropriate solutions and support their implementation. This human commitment is a fundamental pillar of our approach.
As we celebrate 40 years of history, we remain focused on the future. The sustainability of animal production is at the heart of our concerns, and we continue to innovate to meet the challenges of tomorrow: improving breeding techniques, reducing their environmental impact and contributing to the resilience of the agricultural sector.
This year, we would like to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to this wonderful adventure: our passionate employees, our committed partners and, of course, the breeders who put their trust in us. Together, we have written a rich and inspiring history, and we are proud to continue moving forward hand in hand to build an ambitious future.
Mustafa Çetiner is a well-known TIMAC AGRO representative in his country, Turkey. However, it wasn’t the case: he changed career, learnt from his early days as a representative, and patiently built strong relationships with farmers. He’s now a top TIMAC AGRO representative, and an example of strong determination paying off.
How did you come to TIMAC AGRO?
I made the life-changing decision of quitting my 7 years’ career as a banker to pursue the job I had studied and majored in, as an agricultural engineer. I’ve been working at TIMAC AGRO Avrasya for 3 years now, as a representative in Çumra district in South Konya region, a district where polyculture farming is practiced, and where corn’ and sugarbeet’ cultivation is preeminent.
What was your biggest challenge?
When I first started my job as a representative for TIMAC AGRO Avrasya, there were reports about shutdown in my region, and people were saying that no work could be done. At that time, there weren’t any managers above me.
There was also a trust issue with TIMAC AGRO, and I finished my first year with little to no results. It was really frustrating.
What was the turning point for you?
We first decided to address the trust issue in the region with the contributions of the recently appointed Business Unit Manager, Andaç Avşar, and my Regional Manager, Raziye Yetiş.
The process was long: we focused on durable relations. Our discussions with the farmers slowly started giving results after a while: my relationships became stronger and my visits to the field were more frequent. I listened to the farmers and made solving their problems my top priority. Instead of visiting different farmers in different farms every day, I took the decision to visit the same farms again and again. I patiently kept on with my visits to the same farms, until we found, together with the farmers, the best solutions to their problems.
How’s the work nowadays?
All those farmers’ visits, and our work on TIMAC AGRO’s notoriety, on bringing our knowledge to the fields, started paying off. I started receiving more and more demands from the farmers, and each day I receive new demands, new questions.
Nowadays, TIMAC AGRO Avrasya is known and trusted in my region. Farmers know they can call me to get ideas! We are on the way to reach more farmers day by day and become even more useful.
TIMAC AGRO and CFAO will join forces in the TIMAC AGRO Kenya joint venture. TIMAC AGRO will acquire 51% of CFAO Agri Kenya, which benefits from a unique positioning in Kenya as it develops, produces and distributes branded crop plant nutrition solutions. By combining TIMAC AGRO’s expertise in plant nutrition with CFAO’s knowledge of Africa, TIMAC AGRO Kenya forms the starting point of an ambitious and sustainable partnership designed to support East African farmers enhance crop quality and yields.
TIMAC AGRO Kenya: Combining CFAO’s local knowledge with TIMAC AGRO’s expertise in plant nutrition
CFAO Agri Kenya is a subsidiary of CFAO, a leading African distributor. Present in Africa for more than 170 years, CFAO employs nearly 21 000 people, enjoys access to 46 of the continent’s 54 markets and has extensive experience developing partnerships with industrial players. A global innovation specialist in soil and plant nutrition and animal production, TIMAC AGRO creates high-tech solutions. The company has 40 subsidiaries worldwide.
Many farmers across Kenya are familiar with the Baraka Fertilizer brand and its products adapted specifically to the Kenyan soil and local crops (maize, potato, tea, coffee, sugar cane, rice…). The brand’s image is deeply rooted in the local context and takes advantage of an innovative distribution strategy. The joint venture aims to pursue the development of Baraka Fertilizer by adding the more specific and bespoke TIMAC AGRO solutions to address the nutrition requirements of other segments such as vegetable crops. Its ambition is to expand the product range to include granules, liquids, water-soluble products, etc.
Supporting the effective adoption of these new technologies requires the development of a network of field representatives. Their role will be assessing the specific needs of farmers and offering bespoke advice adapted to crop challenges. This development will enable TIMAC AGRO Kenya to innovate in a rapidly evolving market where 90% of fertilisation is still dependent on imported and unprocessed raw materials.
Finally, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will capitalise on a highly functional industrial unit, developed by CFAO Agri, with a production capacity of 150,000 tonnes per annum. The unit is located in Eldoret, in the heart of Kenya’s breadbasket, a market with great potential.
Beyond Kenya, the joint venture ambitions to serve as a platform for development in neighbouring East African markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
TIMAC AGRO Kenya: improving the yield and quality of Kenyan farmers’ crops while building local capabilities
The agricultural sector, which employs 80% of the rural population, is one of the pillars of the Kenyan economy. Thanks to its expertise in soil and plant nutrition, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will bring concrete solutions to local farmers. Indeed, Kenyan soils are relatively rich but acidic (pH varying between 3 and 5), except in the more volcanic regions. The potential for improvement through better farming practices and the use of high-tech solutions is significant. It will enable local farmers to enhance the yields and quality of crops to feed the population and improve export competitiveness.
Furthermore, changing climatic conditions are an issue in Kenya, as almost all the country’s agricultural production is rainfed. The increasing incidence of drought and irregular rainfall could considerably impact agri production, which accounts for 25% of GDP and feeds a growing[1] population.
This comprehensive offering from TIMAC AGRO Kenya is entirely in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It will enable cash crop farmers, who play an essential role in Kenya’s export balance, to enhance their competitiveness. It will also help smallholder farmers improve their farming practices including the yields and therefore their income.
“We are extremely proud of the partnership established today between TIMAC AGRO and CFAO. Our goal is to transform Kenya’s dynamic and diversified agriculture that benefits from significant local skills. In the long run, we aim to provide East African farmers with an all-round, locally produced offer covering nutrition, water, and energy. Our shared ambition is strong: we want to contribute to the consolidation of agriculture in the region and provide farmers with concrete solutions. A great adventure is about to begin,” commented Karina Kuzmak, CEO of Global TIMAC AGRO
“The CFAO Group is pleased to launch this Joint Venture. Building on TIMAC AGRO’s global experience and expertise in soil and plant nutrition, TIMAC AGRO Kenya will consolidate CFAO Agri’s initial development in Kenya. It will continue to provide highly innovative solutions for the development of agriculture in Kenya and several East African countries,” added Richard Bielle, Chairman and CEO of CFAO.
[1] Figures sourced from: IFAD https://www.ifad.org/fr/web/operations/w/pays/kenya
Perennial fruit crops do not benefit from crop rotation and therefore from soil regeration. Moreover, alternate bearing is a well-known phenomenon in fruit trees that is characterized by a biennial pattern (great yield in year N and lower yield in year N+1). It is the farmer’s aim to manage soil fertility and provide high quality fertilizers to avoid draining a tree’s resources during the spring to ensure healthy vegetative regrowth.
A stellar spring start can be impacted by the severity of the winter the tree faced (mild, rainy, etc.) and by the previous year’s yield. In fact, fruit trees can remobilize storage reserves in their perennial organs to face winter and thus be weakened to support early growth. Fruit trees have great needs in the spring in order to ensure root growth and healthy leaves and flowers. The main two sources of N at this stage are root uptake and internal N cycling. N supply can fortify and sustain growth in the spring.
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in fruit trees, as it is a component of several organic compounds (amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids) and chlorophyll. Nitrogen requirements vary among young orchards and mature orchards:
– Young trees need N for rapid growth to reach mature tree size
– Mature orchards need N regarding fruit and leaf development.
Nitrogen dynamics in trees must be considered at the level of the ecosystem. Trees can face competition with grass covering or N losses by leaching and volatilization. The regulation of N uptake varies according to the organ needs. When shoots have high demand of N, roots N uptake increases, on the contrary low shoot demand for N leads to internal N cycling.
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TIMAC AGRO has a specific technology with an organo-mineral matrix structure encapsulating urea and ammonium. This encapsulation allows both quick N release (ammonium) and gradual release (urea must be hydrolyzed into NH4+ to pass through the matrix and to be nitrified in nitrates). This technology provides immediate and long-term N to the tree and limits losses into the environment (less volatilization and lixiviation).
Contact your local TIMAC AGRO to learn how you can set your trees up for a successful spring!
How can you better manage the turnout period for your ruminants?
The beginning of a turn-out period is critical in the life of a cow. This is a period of stress, linked to the quick change in diet and environment. The young spring grass is often rich in water, soluble sugars and nitrogen. This promotes the acceleration of transit and diarrhea. Consequently the Mg/K rate will decrease which creates a poor absorption of trace elements essential for the proper functioning of the body.
BEST PRACTICES
Forage quality may vary depending on the weather and the season. Indeed, the climatic conditions of summer +/- favourable can have an impact on the availability of trace elements and minerals in the pasture. On the other hand the young spring grass will contain a high level of soluble nitrogen. This high nitrogen input can cause an imbalance of rumen microorganisms (like protozoa) and increase the ammonia production quickly.
If not managed, this high volume of soluble nitrogen can lead to various health issues as indicated.
WHERE DOES GOOD GRASS MANAGEMENT BEGIN?
First of all, best turnout practices begin with pasture management: when starting, grass height should be greater than 7cm; there should be a bearing floor; a minimum of 25 acres per cow; and no grazing on grass that is less than 5cm high. Then comes herd management through a 3-week long feeding transition, the gradual exit of the animals,
the provision of self-service hay/straw; a balanced nutrient intake; and a product to manage ammonia.
Self-service TIMAC AGRO technologies can decrease ammonia production in the rumen, prevent the loss of urea, optimize grass protein, along with many other benefits for muscle development, fertility, and immunity.
Contact your local TIMAC AGRO representative to find out how your herd can have a top-notch turnout!
The first graduating class of the International Business Leadership Program took place on February 8, 2019 in Saint-Malo. This event brought together all the people involved in the program since its beginning such as coaches and internal experts.
It was an opportunity to Ana Claudia, Natalia, Aurélien and Osvaldo to receive their diploma and share with the new group of 13 IBL members their experience on the program.
Soil represents a vital area of research for the agriculture of tomorrow. The billions of bacteria that can be found in one single gram of soil are an important source of growth for plants. The CMI has a specific R&D department devoted to this issue, where we have taken in two postdoctoral researchers from Research Director Lionel Ranjard’s team from INRA’s Agroecology Mixed Research Unit.
Specialist researchers in microbial ecology from this mixed research unit, which is associated with the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté INRA, have drawn up an inventory of the bacterial communities found in France’s soils. Using the most advanced DNA sequencing techniques, the work led to the creation of this atlas, which gives us a panoramic overview of these bacterial communities while raising awareness of their importance with regard to the quality of soil fertility.
This book is intended for researchers, students, land users, farmers, politicians, etc. — anyone who wishes to know about the latest advances in research on the microbiological culture of French soils. It is a world first in cartographical precision (16km2 grid squares, 2,200 soils) and the result of 10 years of work carried out by the BioCom research team from the Agroecology Mixed Research Unit in Dijon.
It was essential for CMI Roullier and TIMAC AGRO to be associated with the creation of the first French atlas of soil bacteria. This one of a kind book has been covered by numerous media outlets and was featured on France Inter’s La Tête au carré programme at the beginning of the year.
Organised by Groupe Roullier and its Centre Mondial de l’Innovation, “the Innovation Awards Groupe Roullier 2018” will reward two researchers or research laboratories for the value of their dossiers in relation to the Group’s areas of expertise in Plant Nutrition. Each of the two Competition winners will be offered the opportunity to develop their research project over the course of a year in collaboration with Groupe Roullier with €60,000 of funding. Candidates can submit their projects on the dedicated website www.innovation-awards-roullier.com until 28 February 2018.
The competition is open to all researchers and laboratories across the world working in the following areas:
The aim of this Prize is to promote scientific collaboration and innovation, as well as to develop research activities in Plant Nutrition. The dossiers submitted on the dedicated website www.innovation-awards-roullier.com before 28/02/2018 will be examined by a jury of international experts. The winners will receive their awards at the prize-giving which will take place in Saint-Malo in June 2018.
The creation of this competition follows on from the opening of the Centre Mondial de l’Innovation Roullier at the end of 2015. A true driver of growth and a major player in the field of Plant and Animal Nutrition, it brings together around one hundred doctors and researchers from across the globe. Its opening also accelerated the number of international scientific partnerships, which increased from 70 to more than 100 in just a few months.
