Ukraine. Lack of warmth may hinder full autumn development of weak winter crops

During the second ten-day period of October, Ukraine experienced mostly cloudy and cool weather for this time of year. Average daily air temperatures were close to or 2–3°C below normal. Due to the lower temperatures, a lack of warmth for full autumn development poses a potential risk to the normal overwintering of a significant share of weakly developed winter crops.

The information comes from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.

In the final days of the period, an atmospheric front from the northwest and a cyclone centered over the northern part of the country brought precipitation in the form of rain and, in some places, wet snow. Frosts of varying intensity were recorded across most regions, both in the air and on the soil surface.

Agrometeorological conditions in mid-October were generally favorable for the vegetation of sown winter crops. Due to significant rains in the previous period, soil moisture reserves were replenished, promoting even germination of winter crops. However, in most parts of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where rainfall throughout October remained minimal, severe drought conditions persisted.

Rains, as in previous periods, somewhat eased agrometeorological stress but had little effect on overall soil moisture. The growth and development of winter crops remained slow. In many sown areas, a prolonged lack of moisture prevented winter grains from germinating.

Tags: Ukraine, crop condition