After the June heatwaves, during the first ten days of July a normalization of thermal conditions is expected. The forecasted precipitation at the beginning of the month will improve the conditions for the vegetation of spring crops, a large part of which will enter the reproductive phases of their development. During the month, the forecasted extremely high maximum temperatures, in the range of 38-42°C, combined with low atmospheric humidity will have a negative impact on flowering and fertilization in sunflower, maize and vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini).
In July, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at temperatures around and above the climatic norms, and in many places in the lowland areas – under conditions of soil moisture deficit. The forecasted dry weather during most days of the month will necessitate the application of an appropriate irrigation regime for spring crops, with increased irrigation rates in the northwestern and southern regions of the country, where soil moisture reserves in the 50 cm layer at the beginning of the summer are scarce - below 50-55% of the field capacity (FC).
After the June heatwaves, during the first ten days of July a normalization of thermal conditions is expected. The forecasted precipitation at the beginning of the month will improve the conditions for the vegetation of spring crops, a large part of which will enter the reproductive phases of their development.
During the first and second ten-day periods, the following phases will occur in maize: tasselling, flowering of the tassel and silking. During the third ten-day period, some of the early maize hybrids in the field areas will enter the milk ripeness stage.
In July, sunflower will undergo flowering, fertilization and grain filling. At the end of the month, in some stands in the Danube Plain and in the far eastern and southern regions, the beginning of the ripening stage will be observed. During the third ten-day period, field beans in the lowland areas will complete their development.
During the month, the forecasted extremely high maximum temperatures, in the range of 38-42°C, combined with low atmospheric humidity will have a negative impact on flowering and fertilization in sunflower, maize and vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini).
The agrometeorological conditions in July will limit the development of a number of fungal diseases in agricultural crops, with the exception of powdery mildews. The dry and warm weather will be a prerequisite for an increase in the population of certain pests - mites. In fruit crops, the harmful activity of the second generation of fruit moths should not be underestimated. During the month, plant protection spraying should be carried out during the cooler hours of the day. An increased probability of hail is forecast for July. In the event of hail damage, it is advisable that the affected fruit and vegetable crops be treated at the earliest opportunity with suitable copper-containing fungicides.
More favourable conditions for carrying out the most important seasonal activity – the wheat harvest – will occur in the middle of the first, the first half of the second, and during most days of the third ten-day period. A good grain yield is expected.
Source: NIMH-BAS
