In Ukraine weather conditions were moderately warm with lack of precipitations. Light rains (3-10 mm) were observed in the Western, Northern and Eastern regions, though they did not replenish soil moisture stocks in the winter crop fields considerably. The driest conditions (as of September 25) were seen in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovograd, Poltava and the Southern part of Kiev region. Optimal conditions for moisture accumulation were in Steppe zone and in the east of Ukraine.
In Kherson region, due to rains over September 18-20, sowing soil layer remained wet, which favors further winter crop sowing. Winter wheat, sown before rainy period, is emerging.
In the North available soil moisture stocks create threat to the early development of winter wheat in the autumn period. As of September 29, effective soil moisture content in the sowing layer was 8-12 mm, which was not satisfactory, in 1-meter soil layer – 107-110 mm, which was satisfactory. As of September 29, early sown winter crops (on September 1) were at the stage of 1-2 leaves and plants sown by September 10, were emerging. Later sown plants have not emerged properly due to lack of moisture in the upper soil layer. (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)