Little rain favors cotton and corn cultivation in Matopiba

The central region of the country and the Matopiba region, formed by Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia, were marked by the absence of precipitation in the first fortnight of this month. This condition is recurrent at this time of year and favors the maturation and harvest of second-crop cotton and corn in the main producing regions. These analyzes are present in the Agricultural Monitoring Bulletin, released this week by the National Supply Company (Conab).

The study shows, however, that in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, crops still need rain, as they are in the grain filling phase and are experiencing water stress due to low soil humidity. This means that the reduction in soil moisture, during critical periods of crop development, will impact the final productivity result.

In the Sealba region, which covers Sergipe, Alagoas and Bahia, frequent rains have favored the development of third-crop corn. However, excessive rainfall caused delays in wheat sowing and second-crop corn harvesting in the southern region of Brazil.

The publication brings data and information relating to summer crops (2nd and 3rd Harvest) 2019/2020 and winter crops (2020 harvest), during the period from 1st to 15th July 2020. The objective of this work is to evaluate current conditions of crops as a result of agronomic factors and recent climatic events and assist in estimating productivity. The analyzes serve as a complement to field data and contribute to a more accurate diagnosis.

It is worth remembering that Conab continues to monitor the development of crops even during this period of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), adopting the necessary safety practices.

Click here to download the full bulletin.