September rains improve winter crop sowing conditions across most of Ukraine

Late-September rainfall improved soil moisture reserves and conditions for winter crop sowing across most of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, as of September 30, moisture levels in the arable soil layer on sown fields and areas intended for winter crops were generally satisfactory or sufficient.

At the beginning of the month, the situation was considerably more difficult. Most of the country received little or no rainfall, the topsoil remained dry, and soil drought expanded, complicating field preparation for sowing winter crops for the 2027 harvest.

During the final ten days of September, rains of varying intensity were recorded in most regions. They helped replenish productive soil moisture and created better conditions not only for sowing but also for the initial growth of already sown winter crops.

At the same time, moisture shortages persisted in some southern, central and western areas. In parts of Odesa, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, Lviv and Zakarpattia regions, the arable soil layer remained completely dry, leaving conditions unfavorable for sowing and autumn vegetation of winter crops.

Overall, September was warm, with average air temperatures close to or slightly above normal. Dry weather in the first half of the month favored the harvesting of late and industrial crops and the drying down of sunflower seed and corn, while later rainfall improved prospects for the autumn sowing campaign.