Recent fires in Brazil have destroyed protective straw used by soybean farmers, marking a significant setback for the country’s soybean crop this season, according to Aprosoja Brasil President Mauricio Buffon. The straw, which consists of dried grain stalks from previous harvests, plays a crucial role in retaining soil moisture during dry spells.
As Brazil approaches the typical soybean planting season, which begins after the first rains in September, the loss of this protective layer poses a serious challenge. Farmers commonly employ no-tillage farming techniques to minimize soil erosion and maintain soil health, relying heavily on straw.
Fires have been reported across numerous regions in Brazil during the ongoing dry season, affecting various agricultural sectors, including sugarcane. Some individuals were arrested last month on suspicion of intentionally starting these fires.
Mato Grosso, Brazil’s leading soybean-producing state, along with Tocantins and Goias, has been particularly impacted by the loss of straw. Buffon noted that the dry weather has already delayed soybean planting in several areas, exacerbating the situation for farmers.