The rains from Storm Santa Rosa influenced the planning of the heavy rains in Córdoba, Argentina. In just a few hours, the event precipitated large volumes of water in different regions of the province, with distinct impacts: in some areas, the soil profiles were overloaded, opening the possibility of returning to early corn; while in others, the intensity of the rainfall caused severe water erosion and damage to infrastructure.

Central and northern province, overloaded soil profiles and the return to early corn: In central and northern Córdoba, the rain arrived as a shot of optimism for producers who had been hit by the drought and the specter of the leafhopper.

Nicolás Riba, an Aapresid producer in Arroyito, explained that the strategy for this campaign has changed: “Last year, a large part of the corn area was dedicated to sunflowers. This year, we're losing some of the fear of growing corn because we're seeing fewer leafhoppers. Added to this is the post-Santa Rosa crop replenishment, which encourages us to return to the historical levels of this grass rotation, doubling down with early plantings, scheduled between mid-September and early October.”

Regarding strategies, Riba explains: “This year, our focus is on growing spear corn, both early and late. We had already purchased dual-purpose hybrids, all that remains to be done is to increase density and adjust fertilization.” And he adds: "With all the diversification we implement, we're trying to reduce risk and seek stability."

The availability of water in the soil and the reduced pest pressure allow for a campaign with a more balanced rotation. However, Riba is keeping a close eye on two issues: "In the case of early corn, the climatic risks of December, coinciding with the critical period, remain on the table. In the case of late corn, we will closely monitor the evolution of the leafhopper and focus on planting toward the end of the year to avoid heat waves in January, a lesson learned from the 2024/25 season. We know the risks, but we believe diversification is the best strategy."

Southeastern Córdoba, extreme rains and water erosion: In southeastern Córdoba, the reality was very different. There, in towns like Los Surgentes, Cruz Alta, and Inriville, the rains unleashed with unusual intensity.

Adrián Moriconi, a farmer from the Los Surgentes-Inriville Regional Aapresid, said: “250 millimeters of rain fell in 17 hours. While the water drained quickly in the higher elevations and planting can surely be done in a timely manner once the soil aerates, the biggest problem was erosion, which is the most damaging and difficult to address.”

The effects were evident in the form of destroyed rural roads, overflowing canals, and damaged soils. “The difference was clearly visible between plots protected by growing winter crops and those left fallow. In the latter, stubble was displaced and soil was left bare,” Moriconi added.

In Moriconi's case, the outlook doesn't change corn planting decisions, where the die is cast: "In our case, decisions are made based on the plot's potential, choosing late plantings to ensure production levels, in plots close to the river and that have suffered erosion for years. The best areas are always designated for early plantings."

A major issue is what happened to the fertilizer applied before the rain: "We don't know if the urea we added remained at 30 or 50 centimeters or went down three meters."

What happened in Santa Rosa exposed two sides of the same climate phenomenon: on the one hand, the possibility of relaunching early corn planting in regions that had been restricted; on the other, the urgency of working on management practices and territorial planning that reduce the impact of extreme rainfall.

“Fortunately, direct seeding is an established practice in the area, but it's key to strengthen the intensification of seeding, cover crops, and coordination between road consortiums, producers, and authorities to provide solutions focused on soil health. Sometimes, whoever touches a road changes the course of water and harms other areas, so dialogue between stakeholders is key in an area that receives water from the Carcarañá and Río III basins, 200 or 300 kilometers upstream, and which is full of sub-basins crossed by multiple owners,” concludes the Aapresid producer.