Agrometeorological forecast for the end of September and the beginning of October

Following the deepened drought, the precipitation that fell during the past seven-day period led to a positive change in the water-physical condition of the soil in the upper layer. At the end of the summer, the dry and compacted soil hindered, and in part of the northeastern regions (Silistra agrometeorological station) halted the performance of deep ploughing and pre-sowing tillage of the areas designated for sowing with rapeseed and winter cereal crops. For this reason, in many places the agrotechnical deadlines for sowing winter rapeseed – a crop requiring precise tillage of the fields – have been missed.

During most days of the period (end of September–beginning of October) the agrometeorological conditions will be determined by relatively dry and warm weather for the season. The forecast temperatures, with maximum values in some places of up to 30-31°C, will accelerate the ripening processes of late agricultural crops and will contribute to the synthesis of more sugars in the fruits of late varieties of fruit trees and grapes. During the period, a large part of the red wine grape varieties will reach technological ripeness, and the autumn fruit tree varieties – harvest ripeness. At the end of September and the beginning of October, pear orchards must be monitored for the occurrence of a dangerous pest – the pear bud weevil. Control of this pest is carried out against the adult individuals at the beginning of autumn.

During the next period, the conditions will allow the implementation of seasonal agrotechnical activities. The period coincides with the optimal time for sowing winter cereal crops in the high fields. At the beginning of October, the agrotechnical deadlines for sowing wheat in Northern Bulgaria commence.

Source: NIMH