Ukraine. Winter crops are rated good

Crop condition:

- Extremely contrasting air temperatures were seen in most of the country on December 8-12;

- In November-December, winter grains in the southern, eastern and central regions grew slowly under low above-zero air temperatures. This allowed the plants to somewhat increase in size, while crops in the north and west stayed in shallow dormancy;

- Winter crops are rated good;

- Future condition of winter grains will entirely depend on air temperatures and the availability and thickness of snow cover, UkrAgroConsult reports.

Moisture supply:

- Precipitation of various amounts and intensities in the form of rain, snow and sleet occurred all over Ukraine;

- The above precipitation replenished topsoil moisture, but that in the 0-100 cm layer is not enough yet;

- It is sufficient amounts of effective moisture available in deep soil horizons (100 cm and deeper) that determines the formation of a full-value grain;

- The root soil layer is sufficiently saturated with moisture. This will ensure further hardening of plants if air temperature sinks gradually.

Weather forecast for December 21-26:

- 15-35 mm of precipitation is expected in the eastern regions. The rest of the country will receive 2-15 mm;

- Air temperatures will be -2 …-4°С in the daytime, -7…-9°С at night in the West; -6…-8°С in the daytime, -9…-11°С at night in the North; -9…-11°in the daytime, -15…-17°С at night in the East; -4…-6°С in the daytime, -9…-11°С at night in Central Ukraine; -2…-4°С in the daytime, -6…-8°С at night in the South.