Producers in Rio Grande do Sul can request early planting of soybeans.

The possibility of early planting takes into account the climatic conditions that have hindered the establishment of soybean crops in successive harvests, especially in the Santa Rosa region. This situation has led to discussions about the adequacy of the planting calendar established under the National Program for the Control of Asian Soybean Rust.

The procedure was established by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production and Irrigation (Seapi) in accordance with Ordinance SDA/Mapa 1.124/2024, of June 25, 2024. To request the advance, the producer must present a management plan for Asian soybean rust, a disease caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi and considered one of the main phytosanitary threats to soybean cultivation.

The management plan consists of indicating the integrated management methodology to be used in the area, such as the rotation of fungicidal mechanisms of action, the use of multi-site fungicides, the alternation of active ingredients, among others, preferably under the guidance of a qualified technician. Prescriptions and agronomic recommendations for managing Asian soybean rust should be maintained for a period of up to two years. 

The director of the Department of Plant Protection (DDV) of Seapi, Ricardo Felicetti, explained that the measure seeks to address specific situations faced by producers and, at the same time, generate information to assess the effects of early sowing. “The DDV, in conjunction with Emater/RS, will monitor the crops subjected to early planting in order to verify the relevance of a possible advancement of the calendar and the adoption of distinct planting zones in the State,” he stated.

Seapi warns that plantings carried out prematurely are not covered by the Agricultural Zoning for Climatic Risk (Zarc). Therefore, any losses in these areas will not be covered by the Agricultural Activity Guarantee Program (Proagro). 

The demand for early planting was primarily driven by producers in the Santa Rosa region, given the difficult weather conditions experienced in recent harvests. These adverse conditions have hampered the initial establishment of crops, leading to the need for replanting and impacting the performance of cultivated areas.

The form to request early soybean planting can be accessed via the link https://shorturl.at/0nzKc.