Once again, there was insufficient rainfall in most of the state between 03/13 and 03/19, which, in this final stretch of production, could compromise grain filling and consequently productivity. According to the Conjunctural Newsletter, released by Emater/RS-Ascar this Thursday (23/03), in the visual aspect there was a rapid increase in the yellowish color of the crops, indicating the final stages of the cycle.
However, the maturation of crops is uneven, with dry pods on the verge of opening and losing their kernels due to natural threshing being observed on the same plant, as well as completely green pods with beans still in full growth. In part of the maturing crops, leaf retention is observed, with a high number of dry leaves attached to the plant, giving an aspect of forced maturation due to low soil moisture.
The harvest continued and reached 4% of the cultivated area. However, most of the crop is in grain filling (52%) and 30% in maturation. Another 12% are in the flowering phase. The harvested crops still present results between 300 and 3,000 kg/ha, maintaining the great amplitude of the harvest.
The soy cultivated area in the State is 6,513,891 hectares. Productivity is estimated at 2,175 kg/ha, representing a decrease of 30.52% in the initial estimate.
CORN
The harvest continued, but at a slower pace in the period, as the producers’ attention and part of the logistics were involved with the same operation in the soybean crop. The index reached 74%, and 10% of the crops are maturing. Another 8% is in grain filling; 5% in flowering and only 3% still in germination and vegetative development.
The results remained variable, depending on the irregularity in the distribution of rainfall during the summer months, but, in general, they are satisfactory only in the Northeast Quadrant of the State.
The corn cultivated area in the state is 810,380 hectares. Productivity is estimated at 4,440 kg/ha, representing a reduction of 39.49% in relation to the initial projection.
RICE
The harvest advanced 15% in the period, reaching 34% of the cultivated area. The speed in advance was provided by the dry period or with punctual and brief rains in some regions. Crops in maturation represent 50%, 14% in grain filling and 2% in flowering.
In general, compared to the average of the last five harvests, there is a slight delay in the phases, which may be due to some delays in implantation and the occurrence of cold weather at the beginning of the vegetative development.
Yields are satisfactory, with the exception of crops where irrigation was insufficient throughout the crop cycle. The cultivated area is estimated at 889,549 hectares. The estimated productivity is 7,744 kg/ha, representing a reduction of 5.86% in the initial projection.
BEAN
The area cultivated in the 1st crop is 31,449 hectares. The productivity estimate is 1,576 kg/ha, which represents a decrease of 7.36% in relation to the initial estimate.
The area destined for cultivation is 20,127 hectares. The productivity estimate is 1,376 kg/ha.
OLERICOLAS
In the region of Soledade, after the occurrence of irregular rains, it is possible to observe the resumption of the production of some more rustic crops that remained vegetating, despite the very unfavorable climatic conditions. Producers report the harvest of green beans and cherry tomatoes, which, although in small quantities, provide an increase in the variety of food for families.
In crops that are more tender and require more water, such as lettuce and arugula, producers wait for a decrease in ambient temperature and higher soil humidity to start cultivation. The vegetable growers start preparing the areas destined for planting through organic fertilization, scarification or manual turning and construction of beds.
Due to the high temperatures and lack of humidity, it is still not possible to sow or transplant seedlings, especially for those who do not have water to irrigate.
FRUIT
In the Ijuí region, the walnut harvest has started, although the cultivation area is not very representative. Producers sell directly to bakeries and pastry shops.
With regard to the strawberry crop, pruning and cleaning of the second-year plantations continues and in the first-year ones, they show good attachment with seedlings from Spain, already issuing new leaves. The peach tree crop presents a sharp drop of leaves due to the drought.
WEATHER FORECAST
The next week will be wet, and there will be significant rain in RS. This Thursday (23/03), the approach of a low pressure area will cause rain in most regions, with the possibility of isolated storms. On Friday (03/24), the presence of a hot and humid air mass will keep the temperature high, with a wide variation in clouds and the possibility of isolated showers of rain, especially in the West and Northwest.
On Saturday (25/03), the displacement of a cold front will cause rain throughout the State, with the possibility of new storms. On Sunday (26/03), the entrance of dry air will remove the clouds from most regions, but there will still be isolated rains in the North Half. On Monday (03/27), the presence of a dry air mass will keep the weather steady and mild temperatures across the state. On Tuesday (28/03) and Wednesday (29/03), the entry of humid air will cause a greater variation in clouds, with periods of overcast skies and the possibility of isolated rains in all regions.
The expected totals should range between 20 and 40mm in most municipalities in RS. In Fronteira Oeste, Planalto, Vales do Taquari and Rio Pardo, Metropolitan Region, Serra do Nordeste and Litoral Norte, the simulated volumes are higher and should range between 45 and 65mm.
