Climatic conditions impact summer and winter crops in Paraná

In recent days, the presence of smoke in the air has been noted in several regions of Paraná, indicating possible forest fires or burnings that have contributed to the reduction in sunlight intensity. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the harvesting and planting of several crops continue in the state, according to this week's bulletin from the State Department of Rural Economy (Deral). 

Cassava, sugar cane and coffee

Cassava harvesting in single-cycle areas is proceeding as expected, and planting is proceeding with good moisture conditions. Sugarcane is also proceeding steadily, being harvested and planted in areas close to the mills.

The coffee harvest is now almost complete, with only a few producers still raking the beans. The harvest was marked by a high volume of small beans and the presence of coffee on the ground. Several coffee plantations have started flowering, but producers are concerned about the effects of the prolonged drought and high temperatures, which could compromise flower set and, consequently, the production of the next harvest.

Winter cereals on alert

The canola harvest is in its final stages. As for wheat, the harvest has advanced to areas affected by frost, resulting in a significant drop in grain yield and quality. The average pH was below the standard, and there are loads of wheatgrass. Frost and dry periods have also affected the oat harvest, which has yields below expectations, with the best-performing areas being prioritized by farmers. 

Meanwhile, late-planted winter cereals continue to show good development. Barley is showing better prospects, despite some problems in areas already harvested. In several regions, producers are desiccating winter cover crops to intensify planting of summer crops.

Summer harvest and legumes

Irrigated rice planting is progressing successfully, and the areas already planted are showing good vegetative development. Bean crops are also showing good development, boosted by recent rains. In regions where first-season bean production is mainly aimed at obtaining seeds for the second season, there has been an increase in planting areas, indicating optimism on the part of producers.

Corn planting for the summer crop is nearly complete, and recent rains have been adequate for early crop development. Soybean planting, the state’s main crop, has gotten off to a good start, but the pace has slowed in anticipation of more abundant rains. Areas already planted are expected to be harvested in January, allowing for the planting of a second crop, predominantly corn. In some regions, “dust” planting has been carried out, raising concerns due to the risk associated with low soil moisture.

Growing vegetables and fruit

Tobacco transplanting is progressing, and the first tomato crop is in good vegetative and fruiting state, with harvesting scheduled for the next 15 days. The potato (2nd crop) is being harvested within the expected yield and in good health.

The rains, although low in volume, favored the development of crops such as onions and watermelons. The strawberry harvest continues to be intense, but the humidity of the previous week caused some of the still green fruits to rot. The banana crop, on the other hand, has recorded good productivity and satisfactory prices for producers, without significant damage caused by the recent frosts.

Stone fruit trees, especially early peaches, were affected by the frosts in August, which may affect the harvest scheduled for October. However, later peaches were not impacted. Plum production was affected by the uncontrolled weather, resulting in a reduction in flowering and productivity. The first flowering of the acerola areas is expected.

Pastures and soil water storage

The pastures are recovering, providing average grazing conditions for beef cattle, dairy cattle and small animals. 

The rivers and reservoirs, in turn, are gradually recovering and are still able to meet the irrigation needs of pivots for fruit and vegetable crops.