Soybean planting continues in recent days in RS

In the administrative regions of Emater/RS-Ascar of Ijuí, Santa Rosa, Porto Alegre, Santa Maria, Soledade, Bagé, Frederico Westphalen and Pelotas, producers begin soybean sowing. The high humidity in the soil throughout practically the entire week did not allow significant progress.

According to the Conjunctural Information, produced and released this Thursday (21/10) by the Planning Management (GPL) of Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development (Seapdr), producers follow with desiccation and preparation of new areas and are organized by staggering planting in order to minimize the impacts of dry periods predicted in climatological models. In some locations, soybean farmers are plowing and harrowing areas due to the high infestation of weeds that are difficult to control with herbicides, taking advantage of the activity to apply and incorporate limestone.

The unstable weather in the State restricted progress in corn planting, which reached 70% of the total cultivated area, being in germination and vegetative development. The cost of production rose significantly, especially due to the rise in the price of fertilizers. The amounts paid for extra or complementary treatment on corn seeds to control leafhoppers also contribute to the higher production cost.

During the week, cloudy days predominated, with hot temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. In some locations, the rains were heavy, of high volume, accompanied by winds and hail, thus causing damage to crops. Due to the humidity, the wheat harvest progressed slowly in the State, reaching 9%, another 51% of the cultivated area is in the maturation phase, 35% in grain filling and 5% in flowering.

Vegetable crops 

In the Emater/RS-Ascar de Bagé region, the period was marked by high temperatures during the day and low temperatures in the early morning. There was a sequence of rainy days, reducing the need for irrigation, but making other management operations in horticulture difficult. In Fronteira Oeste, in Manoel Viana, producers took advantage of dry periods to sow summer crops – pumpkin, strawberry, cucumber and tomato. Winter crops are being harvested and sold at the Producer's Fair, which has resumed activities and weekly frequency. Some producers already serve regular customers in the city and use the same day to deliver products. State and municipal schools organized a weekly delivery calendar with family farmers participating in the Pnae.

Fruit crops 

In the administrative region of Emater/RS-Ascar de Ijuí, the peach harvest is progressing, with an increase in productivity in medium cycle cultivars as they did not suffer damage from frost at the end of July. There is low citrus fruit set in general. Melon and watermelon crops continue to be developed; The first crops established are at the beginning of flowering.

Pastures 

The native grassland areas continue to increase the supply of forage, favored by the good availability of moisture in the soil, luminosity and the increase in temperatures recorded during part of the week. In Campos de Cima da Serra, there is good development, significantly increasing supply.

Annual winter pastures are at the end of their cycle, but tetraploid ryegrasses with adequate fertilizer management and controlled grazing still offer a good supply of forage, even with some plants producing reproductive structures in areas with low animal population. Oat pastures have practically finished their cycle, resulting in low availability of green mass of reduced quality.