In wake of harsh winter, future crop yields not clear yet

A seminar of agronomists and chairpersons entitled “Crop Production 2010” that took place on the premises of the Agricultural Science and Technology Park of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture on Monday, addressed both theoretical material and practical issues as well as the situation regarding the condition of winter crops.  A. Vazgys, Deputy Manager for Crop Production, brought samples of winter rape from fields, which Prof. A. Šiuliauskas used to remind how the condition of plants after winter should be checked, how to determine further growth of a plant in view of damage, and what yields could be expected.  
Any winter is generally quite a big challenge for all winter crops. This winter was extremely harsh, air temperatures were considerably lower than multiannual averages, and the amount of precipitation was much higher. Therefore, the condition of winter crops is very concerning. Winter crops, especially oilseed rape, are at a serious risk, particularly in areas affected by a severe frost yet before the fields were covered by a thick layer of snow. Where there was much snow, even if air temperature fell below -30°C, the temperature under a 12 cm snow cover was -9.3°C. Winter cereal tillering, for instance, can survive up to -18/-19 °C cold. Therefore, fields that had to withstand heavy frosts without being covered by snow are the most concerning.  
In addition, after a thick layer of snow suddenly melted, subsequent heavy rain resulted in accumulation of large quantities of water in some fields, which could not be absorbed by the frozen ground. Therefore, there is a risk of rain soaking winter crops. As far as damage done to plants by surface water is concerned, soil microorganisms are not to be forgotten either. In places with large accumulations of water, land subsides, leaving no space for air, preventing microorganism activities and thus killing plants.  
Taking into account all these factors, one of the main tasks for agronomists is to examine all winter crops and, where necessary, drain accumulated water, and, although it is too early to draw final conclusions yet, to evaluate the condition of crops that have survived winter. For instance, in the case of oilseed rape, there should be at least 15 viable rape plants per 1m2 (although, depending on the situation, fields with only 10 viable plants per 1m2 may be left to grow as well).  
The final examination of crops is recommended to be carried out on around 10 April. Final conclusions can be drawn then and further works can be planned.  
It has been decided to fertilise winter crops and winter rape that have survived in Agrowill Group companies with a higher content of nitrogen fertilisers than usual for the purpose of determining yield potential during plant vegetation and then either additionally fertilise crops with high yield potential or reduce the content of fertilisers or not to fertilise crops with lower yield potential in order to cut production costs.

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