Ukrainian agrarians may start sowing as early as February due to the warm winter

This year's calendar winter in Ukraine is the warmest in the last 20 years, according to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center. Analysts report that during the first two decades of January, the average air temperature in Ukraine exceeded the norm by an average of 4.2°C. Maximum air temperatures rose to +10-15°C, and in the south, to +16-18°C. Additionally, it was also warm in the second half of December. In fact, such a prolonged and significant positive temperature anomaly, as observed this current calendar winter, was only seen in 2005.  

The current temperature regime has contributed to a slow accumulation of active heat, which was insufficient for a full recovery of vegetation. Moreover, simultaneously, the growth processes and thus the consumption of carbohydrates, which had accumulated sufficiently in the plant tillering nodes during the autumn, diminished plant frost resistance. Therefore, in the event of a sharp and prolonged cold spell, wintering could become complicated, especially with late sowings. 

Тhe abnormally warm weather observed in Ukraine in mid-January could lead to an early start of spring work for agricultural producers if this trend continues. According to specialists, under favorable conditions, when there are no severe frosts and the soil receives enough moisture, there may be periods for starting sowing as early as February.