researchers at the space research Institute (IKI) Russian Academy of Sciences, studied satellite images of the southern regions of Russia and came to the conclusion that the yield of winter crops in 2020 will be worse than in the previous two years. As explained by scientists on the yield can have a significant impact the lack of moisture in the soil and low rainfall.
the staff of the Department of satellite monitoring technologies IKI in evaluating the status of winter index was used, which is calculated by the balance of infrared and visible reflected solar radiation. Taken into account the figure of “accumulated active temperatures”.
Mathematical processing of satellite images allows to compare the current dynamics of different types of crops in different regions, how they developed in previous years, and based on that to accurately assess the actual condition of crops and the deviation of the dynamics of their development from “normal” values for better or worse.
According to satellite monitoring data, in early April 2020, it was clear the high probability of an unfavourable development of winter crops in southern regions of the European part of Russia.
By the end of April it became evident that the dynamics of winter crops in southern Russia have deteriorated significantly. This applies, for example, a number of districts of the Stavropol territory and the Rostov region.
“By the end of April, compared with the situation at the end of March, increased the number of areas where winter crops are developing worse than in the previous two years, – said the head of the Department of satellite monitoring technologies IKI Eugene Lopan.
According to the researchers, the General condition of winter crops in southern regions of Russia raises concerns. During April, it has deteriorated significantly. Problems in the development of winter crops in the South of European Russia are probably related with the shortage of water supply, the researchers conclude.
In late April, the soil moisture at depths up to 40 cm had the lowest for two years. The situation remained inadequate rainfall in large areas of the Rostov region, the Crimea, Krasnodar and Stavropol territories.
in Addition, the adverse factor of steel spring frosts.
the yield Forecast of winter crops for 2020 is significantly lower than in 2019 and 2018. In may in the South of the European part of Russia still fixed lack of soil moisture and precipitation.
