July rain, storms impact crop conditions in Estonia

TALLINN - Estonian precision agriculture startup Paul-Tech has analyzed July's weather and soil conditions, revealing that the month was rainier than average, with heavy showers and strong winds causing crop lodging.

July was slightly warmer than usual, with many days having average temperatures above 20 degrees. The greatest temperature fluctuations occurred on July 10, with early morning temperatures around seven degrees and afternoon highs exceeding 25 degrees. 

Rainfall was above average, uneven and came in the form of heavy showers with strong winds, leading to lodging of crops, especially affecting fields in southern Estonia. On July 29, the topsoil was saturated with water due to rainfall, with some areas reaching a depth of 20 centimeters. This saturation turned fields into quagmires, hindering agricultural work.

Paul-Tech enabled to also analyze if added nutrients had been utilized by the crops or remained in the soil for future use. Data showed that the winter barley and rapeseed crops had not absorbed all the applied fertilizers, a situation exacerbated by July's rains. Nutrient levels rose while ripening crops ceased to absorb nutrients from the soil. Heavy rains at the end of the month washed nutrients from the topsoil into deeper layers.

Increased rainfall also raised humidity levels, creating favorable conditions for plant diseases. Grain fields showed signs of mildew, and gardeners who neglected to treat potatoes for leaf blight experienced earlier-than-usual defoliation, resulting in smaller tubers and lower yields.

Harvesting began in July but was limited by frequent rains. Winter barley yields depended on winter survival, with better crops in southeastern Estonia. In Pärnu and Viljandi counties, winter barley fields had to be replanted in the spring, leading to weed-infested fields due to sparse crops. Wheat harvesting started, with rain and lodging being major concerns.

Rainfall promoted grass growth, reducing the need for silage of peas and rye. However, some alfalfa fields were sparse due to poor winter hardiness. Warm weather in July also supported corn growth.