Main Points 

  • The first half of September registered 8,300 fires in Center-South Brazil.
  • Dry weather persists, increasing the risk of fires in the cane fields.
  • Come check out the possible impacts of the fires for this crop.

Cane Fields at Risk of Fire 

  • It’s not news to anyone that CS Brazil has been suffering from the lack of rain for the second year in a row.
  • In addition to the crop failure (-14%), the cane fields are extremely dry (fuel for fire).

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  • The frosts in June and July burned the sugarcane fields and vegetation, further intensifying the dryness.
  • This dry mass potentiates fire in risk areas and makes it even more difficult to contain it.

 Heatwave and Fire Spots 

  • The dry and hot weather increased the occurrence of fires, especially in the state of SP.
  • In August in São Paulo, 2,277 fires were registered, more than double compared to August 2020.
  • However, analyzing the Center-South region, the total number of fires was 7% lower compared to last year.

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  • For the first half of September, Inpe has registered so far almost 8,300 fires.
  • Specifically for sugarcane plantations, according to UNICA data, the dry weather this year has already caused the burning of more than 150,000 ha.

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  • According to INMET, the risk of new outbreaks should prevail in the coming days, especially in MG.

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How does fire affect the sugarcane? 

  • For the current crop, the burned cane fields mess up the harvest schedule, as the cane needs to be harvested in advance.
  • This means that any sugarcane that is not ready to be harvested must be used in the industry before its ideal maturation.
  • In already harvested sugarcane, the fire should compromise the following crop:
    • the physiological development of the plant will be delayed and failure to bud may occur.

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  • In addition, burning straw removes an important physical barrier to moisture retention and natural fertilization, which can further impact plant development.

From now on 

  • Rains should be scarce until the end of September

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 You can find the CS rain forecast on our Weather Dashboard in Czapp’s interactive data section

  • This means that the risk of new fires prevails.
  • According to Inmet, the regions remain under maximum fire alert.
  • The risk of La Ninã, should extend attention to fire.
  • As well as rising temperatures.

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Catarina Junqueira

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