Use of weather information in the agriculture of Rio Grande do Sul estate, Brazil

Abstract

There is not any one segment of the agricultural production chain that is not influenced by the weather. From sowing/planting to transportation and storage of products, making use weather and climate information is of critical importance for improved management of farm. To better understanding this importance, we reviewed the literature on the subject and carried out an analysis of the products that have been and continue to be prepared by researchers at the Centro Estadual de Meteorologia - CemetRS / FEPAGRO. Since its birth 60 years ago this sate institution  has served to monitor air temperature and soil data, air and soil moisture, solar radiation, rainfall, among others meteorological elements. It has also generated analysis and products derived from this information such as: analysis of rainfall distribution and temperature both over time and spatially in the state of RS, analysis of chilling hours, thermal sums, crop water requirements and agricultural zoning, among other products. More recently it has drawn up and circulated the weather forecast and climate for the state. But, despite the work already done, there are still many challenges to be met, many products to be generated and a need for greater interactivity with users of these products.