June 16, 2009
China's Heilongjiang may see reduction in soy yields
Heilongjiang, China's major soy producing region, is seeing improving prospects on a heavy June rainfall.
However, a late start to the growing season due to the May drought may still reduce yields. Therefore, ideal summer growing conditions are necessary to optimise growth and development after delayed planting.
As a result of unreliable spring rainfall and susceptibility toward drought conditions, Heilongjiang is vulnerable to reduced soy yields.
Spring rainfall is very important for the proper establishment of soy seedlings as stored ground moisture at the beginning of the growing season is typically low due to a very dry fall and winter climate. If a spring drought occurs, soy yields usually suffer from delayed seeding dates.
Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, received 2.35 inches of rain in March and April, which was enough to dampen the topsoil for planting. However, May's weather conditions turned abnormally hot and dry, depleting soil moisture and stressing the young soy seedlings.
Meanwhile, the China Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief issued a drought alert in May stating that the arid condition was affecting 45 percent of cultivated area in Heilongjiang and 20 percent in Jilin, the leading corn production province.
