RS Harvest 2024/25: corn with expectations of good productivity

The corn harvest in Rio Grande do Sul is progressing, with 94% of the projected area already planted. Most of the crops are in the grain filling phase, with higher production potential than the previous harvest, especially in irrigated areas. However, the water deficit recorded in November affected the number of grains per ear in some regions. The recovery of soil moisture in December has been crucial to maintaining adequate grain weight. The information is from Emater/RS.

Sowing reached 94% of the projected area, with late progress in the Campanha, Sul and Vale do Rio Pardo regions. Favorable weather conditions allowed for good plant development and the application of cultural treatments, such as fertilization and weed control. In areas sown from November onwards, cultural treatments have been essential for crop performance.

Most crops are in the reproductive stages. Approximately 18% of the areas are flowering, 50% are filling grains, 12% are maturing and 1% has already been harvested. In the Central, Planalto Médio and Noroeste regions, the drought in November reduced the number of grains per ear. Even so, the high incidence of solar radiation and the temperature variation between days and nights are favoring productivity, especially in irrigated areas.

Regional situation

The Western Region has recorded specific actions to control the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). In Quaraí, heavy rainfall has kept production potential high, while farmers in Santa Margarida do Sul are already selling green corn, generating income for small properties.

In the administrative region of Caxias do Sul, there are variations in the development phases of the crops. In Campos de Cima da Serra, the plants are flowering and tasseling. In Erechim, 80% of the crops are in the grain filling stage, and productivity is expected to exceed the previous harvest. In Ijuí, the drought impacted production potential, but the rains in December stabilized soil moisture, ensuring good weight of the ears.

In Santa Rosa, 65% of crops are in grain filling stage, with projected productivity of 13.200 kg/ha in irrigated areas. In dryland areas, the drought in November reduced productivity to 6.600 kg/ha, with estimated losses of 6%. In the Soledade region, 65% of crops are in grain filling stage. The accumulated rainfall in December has been crucial for maintaining productivity.

Cultural and phytosanitary management

Producers have been controlling weeds and applying fertilizers in areas undergoing vegetative development. Insecticides and fungicides are applied according to monitoring, with emphasis on the specific control of pests, such as the fall armyworm.

The outlook for the corn harvest in Rio Grande do Sul is positive. Emater/RS-Ascar estimates an average productivity of 7.116 kg/ha for the 2024/2025 harvest, with the cultivation of 748.511 hectares. Weather conditions until harvest will be decisive in consolidating these numbers.