Conditions for soil preparation, winter rapeseed sowing and germination across most of Belarussian territory are favorable.
In the fields sown with rapeseed in the first half of August, rapeseed germinated and leaf formation has started. Soil is still waterlogged in the north-west of Vitebsk region, according to the observations of Verhnedvinsk weather station. Soil moisture excess retains for more than a month. All types of fieldwork are hampered here.
In many areas, mainly in the eastern regions and south-west of the country, topsoil moisture deficit is seen where precipitation shortage had been noted. At the depth of 10 cm the soil is dry – in such areas unfavorable conditions were noted for winter rapeseed planting and germination. Soil preparation for winter grain crops sowing was also hampered.
Dry weather with increased temperature regime in the next few days will cause a further loss of moisture from the top soil layer. At the same time weather conditions will be favorable for harvesting of corn (in some places in the southern part of the republic corn reached complete ripeness). (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)