Agricultural mineral records in Northeast Brazil: information gaps and priorities for regional research

Abstract

Regional research planning for agricultural minerals requires distinguishing mineral records from materials with demonstrated agricultural suitability. This study examines the Geological Survey of Brazil registry in the nine states of Northeast Brazil, integrating documentary quality, agriculture and fertilizer trade. We examined 15,875 point records from the Mineral Resources module (RECMIN), selected 146 classified as “Inputs for agriculture” and tested filter sensitivity using related terms. The additional search identified 1,845 records outside the main subset without establishing agricultural suitability. Documentary profiles separated 117 records lacking occurrence-rock information, 18 with incomplete source documentation, one with basic fields completed and map-based positioning, and ten with these fields and reported Global Positioning System (GPS) positioning. Chapter 31 (Fertilizers) imports attributed to Northeastern states totalled US$2.48 billion in 2024 and US$2.65 billion in 2025; these values do not represent final regional consumption. Planted areas of maize, soybean, sugarcane and cotton provided agricultural context. The contribution is to identify selection biases and information requirements for verification, trials and economic assessment. Regional use depends on material characterisation, safety, performance, legal status and costs rather than occurrence counts.