Only 30% of Winter Grains in Ukraine Are in Optimal Condition for Wintering

Only one-third of the area of winter grains in Ukraine is in optimal condition for successful wintering by the end of the autumn growing season. This is evidenced by the results of long-term studies, which indicate that for proper preparation for winter, plants must form a tillering node, have 2–3 productive shoots, and develop a secondary root system.

This is reported by AgroReview

Condition of Winter Crops in the 2024/25 Season

To achieve such development, winter grains need at least 40–45 days of autumn growth. If sown in mid or late October, the plants only develop winter hardiness by the end of November, provided there is sufficient warmth. If the plants do not complete the full cycle of morphological development, their viability during winter will depend on the weather conditions for wintering.

At the time of the cessation of growth in Ukraine, winter grains are in three key conditions:

• Early and Optimal Sowing Dates (30% of area): the plants have entered the tillering phase, rooted well, and accumulated the necessary level of sugars. Such crops have the highest survival potential during the winter period.
• Three-Leaf Phase — Beginning of Tillering (approximately 50%): these plants have already used the nutrient reserves from the seed but have not had time to accumulate sugars. Therefore, they are the most vulnerable and require additional agronomic measures to preserve the harvest.
• Seedling Phase (20%): although such crops often raise concerns among farmers, practice shows that they can successfully winter by utilizing the endosperm of the seed as a source of viability.

Recommendations for Caring for Winter Crops

As emphasized by Mykola Suchek, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and head of the agronomic department at ProPole, the agronomic strategy for winter crops sown late will be determined by the condition of the plants at the time of cessation of growth. For areas where winter grains entered winter in the seedling or three-leaf phase, it is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizers to stimulate tillering only if warm weather is expected over the next two weeks. The optimal dose should not exceed 20–30% of the planned seasonal rate.

If a sharp drop in temperature is forecasted, it is advisable to refrain from applying fertilizers. The best solution would be to fertilize on thawed soil in spring, approximately two weeks before the resumption of growth. It is recommended to use fast-acting forms of nitrogen, such as ammonium nitrate or UAN.

“For crops that entered winter in the seedling — three-leaf phase, the application of nitrogen fertilizers ‘to boost tillering’ is advisable if warm weather is expected over the next two weeks. In a dose not exceeding 20-30% of the planned rate.”