Wet weather delays winter rapeseed and other autumn sowing in Latvia
Many Latvian farmers failed to sow winter rapeseed on all planned fields on time this year due to rainy weather and waterlogged soil. An expert from the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre warns that late sowing reduces yield potential, while excess moisture is also delaying other winter crop planting.
Farmers across Latvia have run into difficulties sowing winter rapeseed this year, with many unable to plant all their intended fields within the proper timeframe. Andris Skudra, a crop production expert at the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (LLKC), told the LETA agency that wet weather and soggy soil were the main obstacles preventing farmers from completing the work.
The rapeseed sowing season began in early August, with the busiest period running from August 9 to 19. Heavy rain and a storm later in the month significantly hampered further progress. Conditions became especially difficult after a storm on August 22, though some farmers still attempted to finish sowing their remaining fields on August 28 and 29. Rapeseed sowing across the country has now stopped entirely.
Later sowing means lower yields
Skudra stressed that the later rapeseed is sown, the lower its yield potential becomes. In addition, several fields — particularly low-lying areas where water pooled — have failed to sprout at all, with plants drowning out in standing water. Fields remain quite wet even now, and a lack of air in the soil is hindering plant development, preventing crops from forming proper root systems. Rapeseed needs drier conditions to develop successfully, he explained.
Excess soil moisture is also delaying the start of sowing for other winter crops. While some fields have already been planted, the area sown falls short of what farmers had hoped for. Skudra noted that sowing schedules have been pushed back, since normal soil moisture is required — working muddy soil or sowing winter crops into it is simply not possible.
LLKC has operated since 1991 and is the largest provider of rural advisory services in Latvia, aiming to support rural welfare by giving clients access to knowledge, consultations and other industry-related services.
