Agrometeorological conditions in the second decade of September were satisfactory for the completion of vegetation of late crops in Ukraine. In addition, sunny weather contributed to the harvesting of corn, soybeans, sunflower, buckwheat, millet, as well as the accumulation of sugars in beet roots, fruits and berries. This is stated in the ten-day review of the Ukrhydrometeorological Centre.
At the same time, it is noted that conditions for moisture accumulation in the soil were heterogeneous across the country. Thus, in most western, some areas of northern and southern regions, where rains of heavy rainfall character took place, moisture supply has significantly improved and was sufficient for sowing winter crops. At the same time, in most central, eastern and southern oblasts (with the exception of Odessa oblast) precipitation deficit continued, effective rains were almost absent or their amount was insufficient for formation of sufficient soil moisture. In these regions during the period 1 June - 20 September the amount of precipitation did not exceed mainly 40-50% of the norm.
According to expert assessment, soil drought continued and aggravated on 50 per cent of areas for sowing winter crops. Preparation of soil for sowing and sowing of winter crops was delayed due to extremely dry topsoil.
‘The conditions for the initial growth and development of plants are unsatisfactory on the sown areas of winter crops, in some places in the central regions there was death of winter rape seedlings,’ agrometeorologists added.
