Second-crop corn is progressing, but heat raises alert in the South.

The presence of a warm air mass in the south of the country is expected to intensify evapotranspiration, accelerating soil moisture loss, especially in a context already marked by scarce rainfall. This combination of factors tends to increase the risk of water stress in crops.

Data collected by EarthDaily, an agricultural monitoring company using satellite imagery, shows discrepancies between the main climate models for precipitation in the coming days. While the ECMWF indicates below-average rainfall in much of the country, the GFS projects a more favorable scenario, with above-average volumes in areas of Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Matopiba.

"Based on observations for March 25th and April 1st, soil moisture should remain at satisfactory levels in most of the second-crop corn-producing regions in the country," explains Felippe Reis, crop analyst at EarthDaily.

In Mato Grosso, there is still no reason to worry about the second corn crop, although the NDVI indicates slower-than-expected growth. Since most of the crops are in the early stages, there is still potential for recovery, contingent on weather conditions in the coming weeks, which reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, the cycle has already begun, with an increase in NDVI and initial biomass formation. However, soil moisture remains low and, if it persists, could increase agronomic risk in the coming weeks.

In Goiás, the start of the cycle is late, as indicated by the NDVI, reflecting the excess soil moisture in March, which hampered sowing and delayed the agricultural calendar.

In western Paraná, despite the good initial development indicated by the NDVI, the low soil moisture, at its lowest level in the last four years, is a cause for concern. If the drought persists, there is a risk of impacts on development and productive potential, requiring continuous monitoring.

In Rio Grande do Sul, between March 18th and March 25th, an increase in soil moisture was observed, indicating a reduction in water stress and more favorable conditions for the development of soybean crops in the state.