Soybean harvest reaches 3% of the planted area in Rio Grande do Sul

The soybean harvest reached 3% of the cultivated area in Rio Grande do Sul, according to Emater-RS. In the period between March 15th and 17th, there were intense rains, mainly in the western regions of the state. In these areas, the continuity of harvesting activities and phytosanitary treatments were interrupted due to excess humidity and some crops suffered erosion damage due to the large volumes of precipitation.

During the Campaign, rainfall was less intense, but still significant, exceeding 35 mm, which was crucial to mitigate the effects of drought in municipalities that had been without significant rainfall for almost 60 days.

The predominant phase in the state is grain filling, reaching 59%, and maturation 27%.

The initial yields of early crops ranged from 1.500 kg/ha, in regions that are achieving lower productivity and had insufficient rainfall, to 4.800 kg/ha, in Campos de Cima da Serra, where rains were more frequent.

In phytosanitary terms, control of end-of-cycle diseases prevails, especially Asian rust (caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi). According to Emater-RS, in areas where there has been more rain, producers face difficulties related to excess moisture in the soil for the movement of sprayers. They are also concerned about possible losses from rust in crops that received applications more than 20 days ago, as the residual period of the fungicides has practically expired.

Another problem, observed in several regions, is the infestation of weeds such as "horseweed" and "caruru". This may result from failures in the control protocol through applications of desiccants or due to plant resistance to the applied products.

The average value of a 60-kilo bag of soybeans, according to the weekly price survey, increased by 2,56%. It went from R$109,77 to R$112,58.