Favorable Conditions for Sowing Winter Crops in Odesa Region and Moisture Reserves Update

In the Odesa region, warm and occasionally humid weather conditions were observed from October 31 to November 6. According to the Institute of Climate-Oriented Agriculture, the average daily air temperature was +11.6 ºC, which exceeds the climatic norm for the first decade of November by 3 ºC. During the week, 7 mm of precipitation fell, which is 70% of the ten-day norm, significantly replenishing moisture reserves in the arable layer of soil. This is an important factor for the quality germination of seeds, the formation of seedlings, and the initial development of winter crops.

This is reported by AgroReview

Features of Sowing Winter Crops in the Region

According to the analytical report from NAAS, the recommended sowing dates for winter wheat in Odesa have been completed. At the same time, for winter barley, particularly two-row varieties, the sowing dates remain acceptable, especially in the southern districts of the region. Currently, 67% of the projected areas have been sown with winter wheat and barley.

Winter wheat sown in the third decade of September has already entered the tillering phase, while later sown crops are at the stages of seed germination or the formation of 1-3 leaves. The condition of the crops is mostly assessed as good or satisfactory. The reserves of productive moisture in the arable layer of soil under winter crops at the end of October remained sufficient for normal plant growth, ranging from 20 to 33 mm. It is worth noting that this year about 70% of the winter wheat area was sown late, whereas in previous years this share was smaller.

Condition of Other Crops and Impact of Weather Conditions

“Despite the fact that all permissible sowing dates for winter rapeseed have ended, farms continue to sow in hopes of favorable wintering conditions.”

Over the past week, the area sown with winter rapeseed in Odesa has increased by almost 11 thousand hectares. In total, 87% of the projected areas have already been sown. In fields where rapeseed was sown in August and early September, when the soil was sufficiently moist, seedlings of varying density have emerged, currently in the phase of forming 4-10 true leaves and rosettes of lateral shoots.

Weather conditions have somewhat delayed the harvesting of late crops: agricultural producers continued to harvest corn and soybeans, while sunflower harvesting has not yet taken place. At the same time, the yield of late crops remains very low. The main reason for this has been the moisture deficit in the air and soil during the formation of generative organs, which led to disruptions in the growth and development of plants, their wilting, and accelerated ripening of grains and seeds.