Soybeans in Parana Under Moisture Stress and Potential Yield Loss

The soybeans in Parana, Brazil were 99% planted as of earlier last week according to the Department of Rural Economics (Deral). The soybeans were 2% germinating, 71% in vegetative development, 24% flowering, and 3% filling pods. The soybeans were rated 1% poor, 8% average, and 91% good.

The rainfall in Parana during November was below normal especially in western and northwestern areas. The historical average precipitation for Parana during November is 152 mm (6.0 inches) and the average for November 2021 was 69 mm (2.7 inches). In the city of Guaira in far northwestern Parana, the historical average precipitation for November is 196 mm (7.8 inches) and this November they received 32 mm (1.2 inches).

The average maximum temperature in November was about 1.5°C (2.7°F) higher than average resulting in greater evaporation and reduced soil moisture.

In the municipality of Toledo in western Parana, the soybean growing season started fine, but the weather turned dryer in November and the crop is now experiencing moisture stress and facing potential yield losses. According to the president of the Rural Union of Toledo/PR, it is too early to know the extent of the losses, but yields are expected to be below the 65 to 70 sacks per hectare (58 to 62.5 bu/ac) registered last year.

The forecast is calling for dryer-than-normal weather for at least the next two weeks and if that forecast verifies, yield losses will increase. The state of Parana planted approximately 14% of Brazil’s soybean acreage and Conab estimated in November that the average yield would be 3,678 kg/ha (54.8 bu/ac) with a total production of 20.7 million tons.

Soybean & Corn Advisor

Tags: soil moisture, Brazil, soybeans, Parana, yield losses, precipitation