Corn harvest reached 34% of the cultivated area in RS

According to the Conjunctural Information, produced and published this Thursday (27/01) by the Planning Management of Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (Seapdr), planting reaches 97% of the total estimated area, 34% is already harvested, 13% is in germination and vegetative development, 26% in grain filling and 20% in maturation.

High temperatures and predominance of dry weather induced rapid maturation. The harvested mass presented cobs and grains of reduced size, making the separation operation from the rest of the plant difficult, requiring a reduction in travel speed and greater attention on the mechanized harvesting platform. Crops in grain filling and maturation, which represent 41% of the planted area, show rapid leaf senescence, which may compromise the final formation of grains.

Irrigated crops still have satisfactory productive potential, but water supply is not capable of reducing the stress caused by high nighttime temperatures, which increase plant respiration and cause less accumulation of photosynthesis products. Maximum temperatures close to 40°C can also reduce the duration of the crop cycle and affect the germination of pollen grains during flowering, factors that can lead to reduced productivity.

Corn silage

The drought caused a delay in the sowing of corn silage, resulting in a delay in the production of food for the cattle herd. The rains that occurred between January 17th and 22nd allowed sowing to resume in the main producing regions in the State. It is estimated that 70% of the area intended for cultivation has been implemented.

The harvest has already reached 48% of the occupied area and the productivity obtained is 17,5 tons per hectare, representing a 52% reduction in the initially estimated quantity. The quality of the ensiled material is also below initial expectations, with plants with more fibrous leaves and a grain proportion below the ideal.

Soybean

In the State, there was a record of rain in several municipalities on the 16th and 17th of January, which resulted in a drop in temperatures, but this situation did not last long, with the return of strong heat. The precipitation volumes were a relief for soybean crops, but not enough to improve the performance of the cycle that advances in the grain filling phase to 01%, 19% is still flowering and 37% is still in germination and vegetative development. Planting reaches 44% of the total area estimated for cultivation in the State.

Vegetable crops

In the Pelotas region, high temperatures continue to harm crops, especially hardwoods. In others such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins and watermelons, many flower and fruit abortions occur. In some locations, the levels of water reservoirs are a concern, as vegetable growers are having to irrigate these production areas more frequently and with greater volumes.

The supply of irrigated vegetables remains normal, with fluctuations in supply depending on the seasonality of the crops. New cassava areas are being cultivated. In Rio Grande, garlic curing activities continue. The region's tomato and pepper production stands out, supplying the regional market, other regions and Ceasa de Porto Alegre.

Fruit crops 

In Santa Rosa, the high stress conditions observed in recent weeks are worsening daily, worrying producers; intense leaf fall is observed due to lack of water. Walnut trees in fruit formation. Banana of the BRS Platina variety being harvested. Non-irrigated melon and watermelon in harvest, with losses of 50% due to lack of rain and high temperatures.

With the grape harvest over, some orchards located in rocky areas suffered from drought, causing plant death, which will impact production next year. Citrus trees are in the fruit formation phase and also present difficulties due to the lack of moisture in the soil, and there will be losses in production, both in size and quantity of fruits if it does not rain in the next few weeks.

Weather forecast

Next week will have milder temperatures in RS. On Thursday (27), the movement of the front will maintain rain conditions across the state, with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms. On Friday (28), the arrival of a mass of dry air will remove the cloudiness from most regions and only in the North and East sectors there will be isolated showers of rain. On Saturday (29) and Sunday (30), the presence of dry air will keep the weather steady, with temperatures consistent with summer, mild at night and around 30°C during the day. On Monday (31/01) and Tuesday (01/02), the movement of a new cold front into the ocean will favor the occurrence of isolated rains in all regions. On Wednesday (02/02), the arrival of a mass of dry air will keep the weather steady throughout the state.

Expected volumes should range between 15 and 35 in most regions and could reach 50 mm in some municipalities in Campos de Cima da Serra.