Severe Weather Impacts on Agriculture
The extremely high temperatures in July, coupled with intensified drought conditions, have caused irreparable damage to corn and sunflower crops in various regions, including central, northeastern, and southern parts of the country, warns Duykena Zholeva, an agrometeorologist at the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), in the monthly agricultural forecast for August.
Weather Conditions
Throughout August, agrometeorological conditions are expected to be influenced by temperatures around and above the climatic norms.
Moisture Deficiency
A significant limiting factor for the development of late-season crops this month will be the lack of soil moisture. Precipitation at the end of July was unevenly distributed and, in many areas of the country, it was late and insufficient to alleviate moisture deficits in late agricultural crops. In parts of the western and southern regions, soil moisture reserves in the 50 cm and 100 cm layers have been completely depleted. An exception exists in certain areas of Eastern Bulgaria, where rainfall exceeding 30-40 l/m² was recorded at the end of July (in Razgrad, Shumen, Ruse, Burgas, and Chirpan), which helped to moisten the upper layers of soil.
Crop Development
For most days in August, the anticipated relatively dry weather will necessitate increased irrigation rates for second crops and late hybrid corn, where grain formation and filling will be taking place. Additionally, late varieties of fruit trees and vines, which are currently undergoing fruit enlargement, will also require enhanced irrigation.
This August, the situation is particularly pressing as farmers strive to manage the adverse effects of the ongoing drought.
Impact of Weather Conditions on Crop Development
The development of late spring crops will conclude earlier than usual due to the prevailing conditions in the country. Excessive heat and a lack of soil moisture during the first half of summer have resulted in shorter intervals between growth phases for corn and sunflower plants. By early August, the sunflower crops in the Danube Plain and southern regions will enter the maturity phase. During the first ten days of the month, early hybrid corn will complete its growth cycle, while medium-early hybrids will reach the milk maturity phase. Medium-late corn hybrids will enter the wax maturity phase by the third ten days of August.
Weather Conditions and Plant Diseases
Weather conditions in August are expected to limit the development of fungal diseases, with the exception of powdery mildew affecting vegetable crops, fruit trees, and vineyards. In late varieties of fruit trees, the harmful activity of the last generation of fruit worms should not be underestimated. In vineyards, it is essential to monitor the appearance and density of caterpillars from the third generation of the grape moth.
Plant Protection Measures
Plant protection spraying in August should be carried out during the cooler hours of the day using products with appropriate quarantine periods, in accordance with the maturation stages of the crops.
