Agrometeorological forecast for the end of October

On most days of the forthcoming period, the agrometeorological conditions will be determined by dry and warm for the season weather, which will lead to a deepening of the moisture deficit in the autumn crops. In most parts of the country, especially in places in Northwestern Bulgaria – the agro-meteorological stations Kneja and Băzovec, in the Sofia Plain – the agro-meteorological station Lozen, and in the Upper Thracian Lowland – the agro-meteorological stations Plovdiv, Pazardzhik and Sliven, the soil moisture reserves in the 50 cm layer are scarce, below 45–50% of field capacity, and in some places completely depleted. In these areas the moisture deficit will restrict and delay the development of wheat, barley and winter rapeseed.

The forecast precipitation at the end of the period will be of no economic significance. In some places in the Danubian Plain there is a real risk of desiccation of part of the germinated winter cereal crops.

Against the background of the intensified drought there are exceptions in the extreme southern and southeastern regions, where during the first ten days of October higher amounts of precipitation fell – over 25–30 l/m² – Sandanski, Kardzhali, Haskovo, Elhovo and Burgas. They improved the conditions for sowing and for the progress of the initial stages of vegetation of the sown autumn crops.

During the next period, in the regions where moisture is not a limiting factor, emergence and the beginning of leaf formation will be observed in wheat and barley. Part of the crops in the southern regions, mainly those sown at the beginning of October, will enter the third leaf stage – the agro-meteorological station Karnobat.

During the last week of October the conditions will be suitable for clearing the areas from late row crops and for harvesting the yield from autumn-winter varieties of fruit trees. The period is suitable for planting raspberries and blackcurrants.

Source NIMH