Wheat harvest advances to 95% of the total cultivated area in RS

The last week was characterized by the predominance of dry weather in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Conjunctural Information, published and released on Thursday, November 12, by the Planning Management of Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, in the regions where there was rainfall the volume was very low and did not interfere with the wheat harvest, which already reaches 95% of the total area cultivated in the State. In the Santa Rosa region, the harvest has already been completed, favored by the dry and sunny weather that hastened the maturation of wheat crops. Average productivity is 1,5 tons/ha, an estimated reduction of 50%. The crops that were not harmed by the August frosts showed productivity within expectations, exceeding 3,6 tons/ha, with excellent quality and value, bringing good profitability to producers.

In the regions of Bagé and Ijuí, soybean planting was partial and already reaches 31% of the total estimated area throughout the State. In Bagé, in the first part of the week, planting was carried out in lower areas, or where the volume of precipitation was higher. In the second half, the operation was stopped waiting for new rains. In Ijuí, sowing continued at the beginning of the week, with a gradual reduction in the operation until it was interrupted due to the lack of moisture in the soil. Producers are taking caution due to weather forecasts indicating low amounts of precipitation during the period. Crops sown before rainfall have good plant density even with emergence at two different times.

The lack of precipitation in the State makes it difficult to advance corn planting and affects the development of some crops already established. Even so, it already covers 78% of the estimated total area. In the Erechim region, planting did not advance during the period. The crops established on the slopes of the Uruguay River after 10/08, and which are more advanced and beginning to bolt, losses already exceed 30%. Some producers are beginning to use them for animal feed. In those intended for silage, there are also significant losses in green mass and grain quality.

The dry weather conditions this week do not favor major advances in rice planting in the state's producing regions, which already reaches 90%. In the Soldade region, after a period of intense sowing, there was a slowdown due to the low soil moisture content; However, many farmers continue sowing and the percentage reaches 80%, well ahead of last year, which, at this time, delayed sowing due to rainy October. Crops implemented in a dry soil cultivation system show normal germination/emergence and initial vegetative development.

In the Porto Alegre region, 96% of the area planned for first-crop bean cultivation was implemented, corresponding to 3,4 thousand hectares. The sown crops show good development. Plants show symptoms of stress due to the lack of moisture in the soil, especially those in the flowering phase. The phytosanitary status is good.