Despite high levels of rain, wheat production in Rio Grande do Sul maintains good prospects

In the first half of September, the high rainfall that hit Rio Grande do Sul registered a percentage 300% above the average for the period. For wheat producers, the moment was of concern, as the crops are in the flowering and grain filling phase. However, data presented by agricultural area monitoring company EarthDaily Agro shows that the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) remains satisfactory. 

The indicator still presents a curve higher than the average, compared to 2009, when similar climatic events occurred, causing productivity 2% below trend. Before the rains, production expectations were 3,28 tons per hectare, against 3,21 tons per hectare predicted in the new updates.

In Paraná, the NDVI curve also showed good values ​​throughout the wheat cycle, and crops continue to have high productive potential. Soil moisture in the state is higher than expected, and attention is turning to soybean sowing, due to authorization for planting the grain. 

Weather in September

In much of the country, data indicates that rainfall remains below the expected average, with the exception of regions in Rio Grande do Sul. Low precipitation will allow field operations, but be careful: if soil moisture is low, soybean planting may remain slow. 

A new heat wave is still forecast for the second half of September. Both the European (ECMWF) and American (GFS) models point to temperatures of 3°C to 5°C above average in much of the country, which will increase evapotranspiration and affect soil moisture.