Last week cold weather regime in Bulgaria changed to multiyear norm for the given period. Winter crops vegetation continues at a moderate pace.
Rains observed during October 11-21, considerably replenished soil moisture stocks in 50 cm soil layer. In the major parts of the country moisture level in the upper soil layer exceeds 75-80%, which is sufficient for passing the initial vegetation phases in winter wheat, barley and winter rapeseed.
Plants sown by October 10, are at the stage of emergence and at the start of leaves formation. Winter rapeseed entered the stage of leave rosette formation. Winter grains of the early sowing terms have formed 3 leaves. In the regions with sufficient soil moisture stocks winter wheat and barley entered the stage of tillering.
According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture, as of October 13, winter wheat had been sown at 409.2 thousand ha. The pace of sowing is 21.7% higher than in 2015. On the same date in 2015 winter wheat had been sown at 336.3 thousand ha.
On the contrary, the pace of winter barley sowing is 8.6% behind. As of the reporting date winter barley had been sown at 53.7 thousand ha against 58.7 thousand ha in 2015. (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)