Heat increases and drought persists in the Soybean Zone

Drought will prevail and heat will increase in most of the soybean growing zone over the next 14 days, predicts EarthDaily Agro, a remote sensing company that uses satellite images. Mato Grosso, northern Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Minas Gerais and São Paulo, which recorded soil moisture well below average last month, are expected to remain in the same situation. Accumulated precipitation should be 80% - or even more - below normal, according to the ECMWF (European) and GFS (American) models. Both predict continued heat, with the American model projecting an average maximum temperature above 40°C for the next 10 days, with a possibility of exceeding 44°C by the end of this week.

In Mato Grosso, considering the last 39 days and the next two weeks, the forecast is that the average accumulated rainfall will be between 5,7 and 6,7 millimeters - more than 10 times below the average for the period and also the lowest volume recorded compared to the last 10 years. “In regions where planting is already authorized and humidity remains very low, the strategy of waiting for the rains to return may be the right one, since it reduces the risk of the producer having to replant due to the possible continuation of the drought”, says Felippe Reis, crop analyst at EarthDaily Agro.

In Goiás, soil moisture remains very low, reflecting the severe drought of recent months. There has been no rain in the state since June and the forecast points to possible light rains over the next 14 days, varying from 0,3 to 1,6 mm in total.

In the Center-South of Mato Grosso do Sul, soil moisture increased significantly in the first half of September, however, it is expected to fall in the coming days, and producers should monitor the situation before opting for planting, if the drought continues.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the European model (ECMWF) predicts heavy rains this week, with an accumulation of 65 mm this Thursday (26/9) alone in several cities. Excessive rains can reduce the quality of the wheat and result in flooding.