>Despite a moisture deficit, the yield of early crops in Odesa region exceeds last year’s
In the Odesa region, weather conditions at the end of July remained cooler than the climatic norm and were accompanied by insignificant precipitation, which did not replenish soil moisture reserves. At the same time, the agrometeorological situation generally favored the development of late agricultural crops, and the yield of early grains and rapeseed turned out to be higher than last year.
This is stated in an analytical note from the NAAS.
According to the Institute of Climate-Oriented Agriculture of the NAAS, from July 24 to 30, the average air temperature in the Odesa region was +22.5 °C, which is 1.7 °C below the long-term average for the third decade of July. The amount of precipitation ranged from 1.6 to 8.5 mm, but this was insufficient to restore productive moisture reserves in the soil.
In the region’s farms, the harvesting of early grains and legumes, peas, spring barley, spring wheat, and winter rapeseed continued. Due to the uneven distribution of precipitation, varying intensity of spring-summer drought, sowing dates, overwintering conditions, and the phytosanitary state of the crops, yields differed significantly between districts. Grains and legumes yielded from 3.88 to 5.03 t/ha, while winter rapeseed yields varied from 1.40 to 2.84 t/ha.
Specialists note that in most of the region, the weather conditions during the growing season for winter and early spring crops were favorable. This allowed for the formation of grain and seed yields that exceed last year’s figures.
Conditions for the development of late crops also remained favorable. In corn fields at the end of July, flowering was concluding and grain formation in the cobs began, which corresponded to average long-term dates. Plant height reached 163–194 cm, and the condition of the crops was assessed as good.
Oil flax entered the full seed maturity phase, and in some farms in the southern and central regions, its harvesting had already begun. The crop stands were in good condition.
In most sunflower fields, the formation of flower heads and seed filling continued. The diameter of the flower heads ranged from 8 to 23 cm, and plant height was from 102 to 174 cm. The overall condition of the crops was assessed as good and satisfactory.
In addition, the harvesting of grain, legume, fruit, and vegetable crops continued in the region. Despite the lack of precipitation, the weather conditions on most days remained favorable or satisfactory for the growth and development of late agricultural crops.
The UZA predicts the harvest of grain and oil crops to be 84.6 million tons.