Córdoba: the rains benefited wheat, but there are doubts about corn planting

The August rains in Córdoba were unprecedented and left a hopeful scenario for wheat, which is about to be harvested.

Meanwhile, for corn, which will be planted soon, there are doubts, according to the latest report from the Rosario Board of Trade.

A black swan in Monte Maíz

In Monte Maíz, technicians described the rains as a black swan, since records like those of August had not occurred in 90 years in the town.

At first, that term seemed somewhat excessive, since it refers to an unexpected, very rare event with a huge impact.

But it really was: the region received a monthly average of 193 mm when the historical average is 30 mm.

This August was the rainiest of the last 30 years, far surpassing the same month in 2015. It surpassed it in both amount and coverage.

The less vulnerable areas are located in the western part of the core region, where Córdoba fields are located.

There, a great drainage capacity was observed.

“There is almost no water left, only in the low-lying areas are there puddles and signs of residue being washed away, but the water has practically disappeared, even in towns that received the highest accumulations such as Cruz Alta,” they state in Corral de Bustos.

As the water drains, technicians comment that in much of the fields the possibility of a high productive ceiling remains.

In southeastern Córdoba, wheat has a great production of tillers, with high expectations for survival and very high yields.

What is happening with corn after the rains

This week, corn planting was supposed to begin, but the lack of suitable ground will require at least 5 to 10 days before returning to the fields in the region.

In southeastern Córdoba, there is concern about missing optimal dates if September brings more rain, although early planting is still being insisted upon and split planting schemes are being considered to resume later in the low-lying areas.

In Marcos Juárez, the rains left around 180 mm in 24 hours.

"There is a lot of accumulated water, but on the other hand, and being optimistic, we see that it is draining quickly through channels and drains that are working well," experts say.

"In any case, since we already had a very saturated soil profile, it will take several days for the water to disappear and allow entry to plant corn,” they add.

In the area, they point out the importance of a September that doesn't get out of hand and doesn't bring significant rain in order to avoid problems with corn planting and not miss the optimal planting dates.

Corn planting strategy after the rains

“We are already starting to think about split planting methods, leaving the centers of low-lying and waterlogged areas of fields for later planting, when it is possible to enter.”

They also say that for now there are no producers who have decided to change the planting destination and early planting will continue to be insisted upon.