Agrometeorological forecast for the end of July

At the end of July, the agrometeorological conditions will be determined by hot weather with temperatures around and above the norm. During the first half of the period, precipitation is once again forecast in Western and in some parts of Central Bulgaria, which will improve the moisture content of the upper soil layers. During the past period in these regions, agriculturally significant rainfall of between 20 – 40 l/m2 was recorded, but with a local character. In the remaining part of the country, the absence of precipitation has led to an increasing soil water deficit.

During the period, the phenophases of flowering and seed filling will be taking place in sunflower. In some earlier hybrids, sown within the agrotechnical time frame, the ripening phase will be occurring (agrometeorological stations Sliven, Lyubimets). In maize, different phases will be observed – in late hybrids, tasseling and flowering will be in progress, in medium-early hybrids, silking and silk browning will be observed, and in the earliest maize hybrids in parts of the Danube Plain (agrometeorological station Pavlikeni) milk ripeness will be observed. In the vine, the phase of berry colouring and softening will be observed.

During the period, the conditions will be suitable for carrying out seasonal agrotechnical activities related to soil tillage on areas freed from winter cereal crops – stubble cultivation, with the aim of interrupting soil capillaries and preserving the available soil moisture, pre-sowing ploughing and tillage, and treatments with total herbicides in the case of strong weed infestation of areas after harvest. In apple orchards and vineyards, fungicide spraying continues to prevent infection and development of powdery mildew. Plant protection activities should be carried out at an air temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Source NIMH