South America: Fall Planting Snapshot

November Snapshot

The South American crop planting season is currently underway. Gro Intelligence data and applications like the Climate Risk Navigator provide insights into the conditions that can affect critical factors including planting timing, total area, and soil conditions for key crops in the region.  In this November snapshot, learn what variables will be important to monitor over the coming months that determine a healthy start for Soybean and Corn production. Reach out to Gro with any questions on these and other crops, countries, displays, and curated datasets. 

| Soybeans

Key Notes for November

• Soil moisture + Precipitation: Proper rainfall is key for crop conditions leading into the planting season. Soybeans require warm soil that is not too wet for optimal planting. 
• Drought: Severe drought ahead of the current Argentina soybean planting season is threatening to reduce total area and impact crop conditions. US soybean meal exports are reaching record highs in response. For more information, read this recent Insight from Gro. 
• Soybean planting in Brazil for the 2023/24 season has slowed as farmers struggle with excess rainfall in the southern states and increasing dryness in the country’s central soy-producing states, such as Mato Grosso do Sul. 
• Planting delays could leave the soybean crop vulnerable to excessive heat during the crop’s flowering and pod development phase in November and December. For more information, read this recent Insight from Gro. 
• Fertilizer: Dry conditions also hamper nutrient mobility within soils. Water is the main vehicle to deliver essential nutrients from the soil to the crops, either via synthetic fertilizers or organic matter. 
• Drought conditions tend to require higher nitrogen application rates due to the volatility of the nitrogen molecule. This process is called volatilization, and farmers sowing parched soils risk nitrogen deficiencies if adjustments to application rates are not made.

Gro Displays

Gro Drought Index for Argentina soybean growing regions (as of 10.24.23)

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here.

Gro Climate Risk Navigator - Soil Moisture for Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (as of 10.17.23) 

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here.

| Corn

Key Notes for November

• Precipitation: Rain has recently fallen in Argentina’s crop growing areas, but more is needed for healthy planting conditions.
• Timely soybean planting is needed to give Brazil's second corn crop a good chance in 2024.

Gro Displays

Gro Climate Risk Navigator - Precipitation in Argentina corn growing regions (as of 10.24.23)

To interact with this Climate Risk Navigator display, click here. 

Questions? Reach out to Gro at sales@gro-intelligence.com.