Producers overcome climate challenges by implementing drip irrigation

The start of the 2020/21 grain harvest has already started to be hampered due to the delay in the start of the rains for soybean planting in the main producing regions of the country. The delay in planting caused a loss of productive potential due to the failure to develop cultivation within the ideal climatic windows and, in many regions, producers suffered from a high volume of rain during the harvest period, as occurred in the region of Sorriso (MT), causing more loss of soybean productivity and quality.

The delay in soybean planting and harvesting generated a chain reaction, culminating in the late planting of second-crop corn, which in many places was only carried out from March 2021. In addition to late planting, many regions suffered from low rates rainfall during the period, considerably damaging the growth and development of plants. As an example, the western and northern regions of the state of Paraná which, according to a study carried out by the Department of Rural Economy (Deral), of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of Paraná, had the lowest water balance during the month of April. of the last 30 years.

If the low rainfall levels were not enough, harming the development of corn, between the end of June and during the month of July this year, frosts hit many regions, highlighting Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo. The frosts that occurred on many farms affected the corn in the grain filling phase, which could cause productivity losses of around 50% more depending on the phase in which the corn was.

Given this scenario observed during this year's harvest, irrigation is an important and strategic tool. In addition to the guarantee and security of water availability for the plants in cases of low or lack of precipitation, which guarantees productivity, it allows the producer to anticipate soybean planting, taking advantage of the best planting windows and running less risk of productivity losses. in second-crop corn planted late due to frost.

An example of a farm that benefited from irrigation in soybean production this harvest was the Lagoa Rica farm, in the municipality of Diamantino (MT). With 150 ha of its area irrigated by underground drip, it had an average productivity of 70 bags/ha, while in rainfed areas the average was around 40 bags/ha, that is, 75% higher with irrigation.  

Fazenda Esperança, located in the municipality of Itaporâ in the Dourados region (MS), one of the regions that suffered most from the water deficit in second-crop corn, was also able to benefit from underground drip irrigation installed in an area of ​​144 ha from the farm. While in the rainfed areas the plants suffered and had their productive potential compromised by the water deficit, in the irrigated and fertigated areas the corn presented excellent development and potential, with productivity being guaranteed.  

In this way, it is clear that irrigation is an important tool for producers to guarantee and increase their productivity, as well as taking advantage of the best planting windows and with the probability of suffering fewer risks with the constant and unforeseen climatic irregularities that have been observed in recent years. years.

William Damas, Netafim Agronomic Specialist