January – agrometeorological conditions will be determined by dynamic weather with significant precipitation

In January, the agrometeorological conditions will be determined by dynamic weather, with alternating periods of subnormal, above-normal, and close to climatic norms temperatures.

The forecasted average daily values in most of the field regions will be within limits that will keep autumn crops and perennial plantations dormant. Exceptions are expected  in the southern regions and along the Black Sea coast in the middle of the first ten-day period. In these regions, a significant increase in temperatures up to and above 10-15°C and a short-term resumption of vegetation processes in winter cereal crops are predicted, but they will not lead to a change in the phenological state of the crops.

In January, wheat will overwinter in different phenological phases. Crops in the third leaf phase predominate. In the tillering phase, the suitable phase for overwintering, are winter cereal crops in parts of the eastern and southwestern regions of the country (Silistra, Provadia, Dolen Chiflik, Karnobat, and Sandanski). In some places in Northwestern Bulgaria, at the Nikolaevo agro-station, the crops are in the germination and initial leaf formation phase. They are not strong and will be most vulnerable to the impact of low January temperatures. The forecasted minimum values, in the order of minus 15 - 18°C, in conditions without snow cover and prolonged duration, will be critical for winter cereal crops that have not tillered. Values below minus 16 - 17°C will also be dangerous for the buds of less cold-resistant dessert grape varieties.

During the month, the expected precipitation, close to climatic norms, will increase soil moisture reserves in the one-meter and two-meter layers. At the beginning of winter, the level of moisture reserves in the 100cm soil layer for autumn crops in most field regions is very good – over 90% of field capacity.