Agrometeorological conditions for crop growth in the Vitebsk region have improved

July 8, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Agrometeorological conditions for crop growth have improved in the Vitebsk region after rains. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Ivan Boris, Head of the Department of the Vitebsk Zonal Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences.

Intense rains, which occurred in most of the Vitebsk region, replenished moisture reserves, especially in the upper soil layers. As a result, agrometeorological conditions for crop growth and development have improved in most districts.

The upper 10-centimeter soil layer is well-moistened, however, in some areas, its over-moistening is noted in separate districts. In such over-moistened areas, conditions for crop care activities are complicated, noted Ivan Boris. In addition, heavy rains with thunderstorms, which occurred in most districts at the end of June and the beginning of July, led to partial lodging of crops of both spring (especially barley) and winter grain crops, especially in high-yield areas. This will complicate harvesting and may lead to a decrease in yield.

According to data as of July 5, most winter rye crops in the region are in the grain filling phase (milk ripeness), while winter wheat and triticale are in the beginning of milk ripeness. The main areas of barley are in the heading-flowering phase, spring wheat is in the heading phase.

In addition, moderate air temperatures and high relative humidity caused by rains have led to the development of diseases in well-developed grain crops. In this regard, crops with symptoms of disease development should be treated with fungicides. In spring cereals, pests (cereal aphids and cereal leaf beetles) are of economic importance, therefore, control over grain crops should be strengthened and, if necessary, insecticidal treatment should be carried out. -0-