A drought in the Lviv region threatens the grain harvest
A significant rainfall deficit has been recorded in the Lviv region: in May, only about one-fifth of the monthly average fell. Scientists warn that the prolonged drought in the region could negatively impact this season’s grain harvest.
This was reported by the Institute of Agriculture of the Carpathian Region of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences on Facebook.
Experts note that in the second ten-day period of May, the region received only 5.9 mm of precipitation, which is 19.7% of the norm.
"The lack of precipitation, elevated temperatures, and strong winds are creating extreme conditions for the growth and development of agricultural crops. During a dry period, moisture is a decisive factor for the harvest. Reserves of productive soil moisture are decreasing, and we are observing an acute deficit in its upper layers," the statement reads.
As scientists emphasized, the calculated hydrothermal coefficient for the first and second ten-day periods of May (0.34) indicates very severe drought conditions. Moisture deficit during heading and flowering negatively affects grain filling.
Experts emphasize that under such conditions, winter grains are in the most advantageous position, as they have a robust root system and, when the upper soil layer (0–40 cm) dries out, utilize the available moisture in the lower layers, including that found at depths of 150–200 cm and deeper. In spring grains, the root system is less developed compared to winter grains, so they are more vulnerable to soil drought.
Experts also note that corn is a drought-tolerant crop, less demanding of moisture in the first half of the growing season. Soybeans are moderately drought-tolerant, and sunflowers are also a drought-tolerant crop with a highly developed root system.
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