Winter Crops Complete Vegetation in Key Regions of Ukraine: Agro-Meteorological Situation
November 2025 has become one of the warmest months on record, significantly affecting the characteristics of winter crop vegetation in key agricultural regions of Ukraine. Throughout the month, agro-meteorological conditions facilitated the completion of autumn vegetation, creating optimal conditions for preparing plants for winter.
This is reported by AgroReview
Climatic Features and Their Impact on Winter Crop Development
The prolonged anomalously warm weather in November supported the active development of winter crops. On days with moderately warm weather, fog, and drizzle, plants continued to grow, which was particularly important for late sowings. However, during periods when nighttime temperatures dropped to negative values, plant development slowed down or nearly ceased.
“The extended period of very warm weather for November contributed to the continuation of the autumn vegetation period. Plant development occurred slowly on warm days and nearly halted on days when nighttime temperatures dropped to negative values. The predominance of moderately warm weather with fog and drizzle on most days was a favorable factor for the growth and development of winter crops, especially for late sowings,” specialists noted.
According to agro-meteorologists, the condition of winter crops is generally good, with some areas in the central and western regions rated as satisfactory. Since most sowings were conducted in October, plants were in the phases of forming nodal roots, developing the third leaf, and tillering. Very late sowings showed signs of seed germination and the formation of shoots.
Beginning of the Winter Period and Plant Condition
In the western and most northern regions, from November 15 to 19, and in the rest of the territory from November 25 to 30, air temperatures dropped below +5 °C, marking the onset of the “pre-winter” period. This occurred 2–3 weeks later than the average based on multi-year observations. In the second half of November, in the western and northern regions of Ukraine, a cessation of active vegetation was recorded, and the crops transitioned into a phase of winter dormancy. At the same time, no dangerous agro-meteorological phenomena were noted, and the minimum soil temperature at the depth of the tillering node remained positive.
Meanwhile, in the central, southern, and eastern regions, slow development of winter crops continued. In several areas, changes in the phase development of plants were recorded, particularly an increase in the area of tillered crops.
“At the same time, in most areas of the central, southern, and eastern regions, slow development of winter crops continued. Changes in the phase development of plants were noted in several areas — the area of tillered crops increased,” the hydrometeorological center summarized.