The Entre Ríos Grain Exchange warned today that rains of more than 100 millimeters would be needed to neutralize the effects of heat stress caused by the drought, so that crops can improve.
“The rain demand floor to reset the moisture profile is at 100 millimeters but as the forecasts don’t predict good rainfall, it will be very difficult to get out of the drought,” the cereal company said.
Furthermore, the various agronomic solutions to change the situation “are not proving to be effective”, the Stock Exchange confirmed today, so much so that the dry profile of the soil “is consolidating throughout the Entre Ríos territory”.
These climatic conditions affect crop development, resulting in smaller plants, delays in nitrogen fertilization, a retardation in growth and even partial and total plot losses have been detected in specific sites.
Similarly, the drought was described as the worst in 60 years according to provincial records, and caused “devastating” ecological and economic effects.
Although there are areas and plots with a better availability of humidity, a “serious scenario” is recorded for December, with a delay in sowing and strong consequences for the crops of the dense harvest of the 2022/23 campaign.
For Entre Ríos, a normal value of accumulated rainfall between June and November is 430 mm (17 in), but only 240 mm (9.5 in) was recorded in that period of 2022, 44% less (190 mm).
The worst situation is recorded in the south of Entre Ríos, where more than 70% of the summer crops are found and the water deficit reaches 81% less than the normal average.
The situation affected the production of forage from natural fields and pastures, the main input in the feeding of livestock, breeding and dairy cattle, with a very low or non-existent growth rate of natural fields and with very limited development.
Because of this, farmers have had to sell animals to lighten the animal load in the fields, and the physical condition of the livestock has declined 30 to 35% year-on-year.
The natural waters are also drying up and there are problems in the mills, as the water table has dropped and pipes have been added to extract water from greater depths.
On the other hand, the dairy sector has failed to recover the lots used for grazing, has not obtained grazing reserves and is losing corn intended for animal consumption, notes the Exchange.
The high temperatures have favored the elaboration of corn rolls and silos in order not to lose them, which has increased their cost, and the quality is not adequate due to the low energy concentration deriving from a few grains per plant.
There has been a 20-30% drop in milk production over the past month and a reduction in dairy cows is expected in December and January, generating another 10-20% drop. (Telam)
