During the second half of October, an improvement in the hydro-physical condition of the upper soil layer is expected

The absence of precipitation during the first and the beginning of the second ten-day period of October led to a deepening of the ongoing drought. In most of the arable regions of the country, there is no productive moisture in the 50 cm soil layer, and in certain areas of Southwestern Bulgaria (agrometeorological station Kyustendil) – in the entire one-meter layer.

After the forecast dry and seasonally warm weather until mid-October, during the second half of the second ten-day period the agrometeorological conditions will undergo a change. During this period widespread precipitation is expected, in some places up to 15-20 l/m ², an improvement of the water-physical state of the upper soil layer and of the conditions for carrying out the delayed pre-sowing tillage of the areas designated for sowing with winter crops. Due to the drought, in many places in the arable regions the agrotechnical deadlines in September for the sowing of winter rapeseed have been missed. Delays are also expected in the sowing of winter cereal crops. In mid-October the optimal deadlines for wheat sowing in Northern Bulgaria expire. In the following period the agrotechnical deadlines begin for the sowing of winter cereal crops in the southern regions of the country.

The drought in Dobrudzha hampers the preparation of the areas for the autumn sowing of wheat. The optimal deadlines for placing the seeds of the new crop are until the end of October, according to the scientists from the Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute – General Toshevo.

The sowing period is highly dependent on climatic conditions. In recent years it has not been uncommon for the sowing campaign to continue into November. At the same time, the condition of the crops is highly dependent on what the temperatures and precipitation will be in November and December and to what extent the plants will harden in order to overwinter.

The forecast precipitation during the second half of the next period is expected to provide the necessary moisture for the initial phases of the vegetation of the autumn crops. At the end of the second ten-day period of October, in the sown winter cereal crops (agrometeorological station Targovishte) the germination phase and initial leaf formation will be in progress.

Favorable conditions for completing the grape harvest and for gathering the autumn fruit varieties will occur at the beginning and at the end of the period.

Source NIMH