2.4 South America

Overall crop condition in this MPZ was average over the monitoring period during which wheat was approaching its maturity stage, while main summer crops were just being planted or in early vegetative stages, such as in the case of maize. Figure 2.3 summarizes the CropWatch agroclimatic and agronomic indicators for the area.

Across the MPZ, slightly below average rainfall (RAIN, -5%), warm temperatures (20.3°C, TEMP +0.5°C above average), and low radiation (RADPAR, -4%) were experienced, altogether resulting in 13% below average BIOMSS. According to the temporal and spatial patterns of rainfall departure, rainfall was slightly below average in the Pampas during July-October, while the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Parana experienced above average rainfall in August and October and below average rainfall in July and September. The temperature generally changed from above average in July-August to well below average (-2.5°C) by the end of October. Spatially, agroclimatic conditions were generally unfavorable as indicated by well below average BIOMSS in the accumulated potential biomass departure map, with the exception of Entre Rios in Argentina, Uruguay, and southwestern Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. 

As most summer crops for the region are out of their growing season, croplands in northwestern Buenos Aires and large parts of Cordoba, as well as the northernmost part of the MPZ remained uncropped during the monitoring period; overall CALF was 91%, which was 2% above the five-year average. Accordingly, the VCIx map also presents lower values in those fallow areas. High VCIx mostly concentrates in Santa Fe. On average, VCIx for the entire MPZ is 0.71. Cropping intensity is 166%, slightly below the five-year average (-1%). Fields with a double cropping system are mainly located in Rio Grande do Sul and Parana where wheat-maize double cropping is common according to local interviews with farmers and researchers. 

The VHI map presents large differences between Argentina and Brazil. High values in Argentina indicate low water stress situations, while in Brazil the states of Sao Paulo and part of Mato Grosso are suffering water stress, as indicated by VHImin values below 35. This further confirms that low VCIx in Argentina results from non-vegetation rather than unfavorable conditions. 

All in all, winter wheat condition in the MPZ is average in spite of lower RAIN. The low rainfall, however, could potentially hamper the sowing and early development of summer crops in the season ahead.

Figure 2.3a. South America MPZ spatial distribution of rainfall profiles (left) and profiles of rainfall departure from average (mm) (right), July-October 2017

Figure 2.3b. South America MPZ spatial distribution of temperature profiles (left) and profiles of temperature departure from average (°C) (right), July-October 2017

Figure 2.3c. South America MPZ maximum VCI, July-October 2017

Figure 2.3d. South America MPZ cropped and uncropped arable land, July-October 2017

Figure 2.3e. South America MPZ biomass accumulation potential departure, July-October 2017

Figure 2.3f. South America MPZ VHI minimum, July-October 2017

Figure 2.3g. South America MPZ Cropping intensity, November 2016-October 2017