Spatial Approach to Yield of Second Corn Crop in Paraná State

This study aimed to investigate factors that increase corn crop yield in the second crop in Paraná State, Brazil. For that purpose, we used a spatial approach to evaluate the correlation between second corn crop yield and the variables of labor force, mechanization, technical guidance, access to financing, and soybean crop yield (crop succession system). We used data from the Agricultural Census and the Municipal Agricultural Survey for the years 2006 and 2017. The methodological approach includes Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis and spatial regressions by unrestricted and restricted samples (spatial regimes). The findings show that mechanization, technical guidance and soybean yield positively affect second corn crop productivity in Paraná. The robustness of these positive effects is also found in regressions by spatial regimes. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of crop succession systems and regional production arrangements in generating productivity gains in the second corn crop.