In recent weeks, Maps showing soil water availability have turned much of the core agricultural area yellow and orange.. This reflects drought or scarcity of water reserves. According to a report published yesterday by the Office of Agricultural Risks (ORA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, In the last 15 days, there has been a general decline in water reserves in the plots designated for the intense campaign. In cities like Pergamino and Junin, Corn is at a critical moment, as the first batches are beginning to dry out at the base of the plants.
Despite the urgent need for rain… Climate scientists do not expect favorable conditions in the coming days. For this week, No rain is expected, although temperatures are expected to rise. Relief could come in the second half of JanuaryRain is expected in Santa Fe, Cordoba and northern Buenos Aires. However, these rains will not be significant.
“The week that begins will be very difficult for most of the national territory, as practically no rain is expected. The few rains that can be recorded are expected to be concentrated in northwest and western Argentina, with some scattered events in La Pampa. Climatologist Leonardo De Benedictis warned that the rest of the country would not receive rain all week.
In addition, he pointed out that this will be the first week of summer with high and stable temperatures. “This may mark the beginning of the first heat wave of the year, which will affect a large part of the national territory. He added, “The central region and northeastern Argentina will be the most affected, with lack of rain, northern winds, and a continuing rise in temperatures.”He explained.
Maria José Deki, an agronomist specializing in climatology at INTA, agreed that no rain is expected in the coming days. However, he noted that between January 14 and 20, some rain could be recorded in Santa Fe, Cordoba and northern Buenos Aires, which could lead to accumulations of between 20 and 30 mm.
“Millimeters are needed because corn planted in September, for example, has already passed a critical period and the grain weight is being determined, so we need conditions to be a little more favourable. As for the corn planted in the second stage, at the end of October, after the rains, it is in the middle of the critical period, in the tassel, so it needs rain no matter what and not these high temperatures. Soybeans are also entering a critical period; Those planted early enter the R3 zone, he added.
Regarding the late corn, Dickey noted that it is in a vegetative state, which gives it a certain advantage, but he warned that the lack of rain is already affecting these crops and the sunflowers. “Late corn is also affected because it is 50% flowering,” he noted. “This puts them at a critical moment, just like cotton.”
Climatologist German Heinzenknecht agreed that rain would not return until after January 15, with more concrete possibilities on the weekend from January 17 onwards. “It will cover a large part of the core area, Santa Fe, north of Buenos Aires and south of Santa Fe. In principle, you will not see such significant rains, but as you get closer, the situation could change positively. He added: “It is a scenario that must be monitored closely.” “.
Heinzenknecht also mentioned this The second half of January may end with an acceptable level of rain for the period, but not for this month. If the crops get this rain, they can defend themselves.. But he described the beginning of 2025 as “bad” for the core region and the eastern outskirts of the country, which are severely affected by areas of high pressure that prevent the arrival of rain. “We have had rain in western Córdoba, some in La Pampa and in the eastern Rio Negro. The west is relatively better, but no one has enough water right now,” he explained.
ORA warned that in general, There is a decrease in the water content in the soil as a result of two consecutive weeks with lack of rain. In Entre Ríos, reserves have gone from deficit to deficit, while in southern Santa Fe and northeastern Buenos Aires, early corn plots are also facing deficit conditions.
In the Pampas region, the report specified Lack of vegetation activity, especially in southeastern Santa Fe and northeastern Buenos Aires. Early corn in northeastern Buenos Aires, in delegations such as Pergamino and Junín, is in full bloom and beginning to fill with grain.. According to the report, “It is very important that rainfall occurs, as the first batches can be observed beginning to dry at the base of the plants.”.
Other affected areas include East of La Pampa and west-central Buenos Aires. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in areas such as Trinque Laoquin, Rivadavia, North Bihuajo and South Carlos Tejedor, The recent rains only allowed the corn to maintain growth until last week. “The water reserves in the soil are scarce or very scarce, which does not allow for the provision of the current and future demand of the crop, and enters into water restriction with hardening of the leaves during hours of maximum evaporation.”The report concluded.
