Rain: Savior or Curse? Corn, Soy, and Sunflower on the Brink of Disaster!
The tropical June climate and drought have wreaked havoc on fields across Serbia. Corn, soy, and sunflower—the three main crops—are struggling to survive, and the rain that finally fell might not save them all. Experts from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad reveal what to expect in the coming weeks.
Corn: Not all is lost, but it’s not great
Corn is the most widespread crop in Serbia, with slightly more area planted than last year, but the results are far from expected. Dr. Goran Bekavac says not all corn is lost, but the tropical June climate has left its mark. Low nights and high daytime temperatures have left plants short and with twisted leaves. Later planted corn is in the generative phase, and the rain came just in time, but earlier planted corn is unlikely to recover.
Soy: Rain won’t help earlier planted oilseed
Soy planted in April and May suffers from drought and heat stress. Rain now won’t help crops already damaged, as pods have been shed. However, later planted soy may benefit from the rainfall, as rain will help form more pods.
Sunflower: A low and bad year for oilseeds
Sunflower, though known for drought tolerance, did not fare well during the long, hot June. Plants are short, and some fields had to be reseeded due to poor conditions in April. Rain is welcome but cannot fully compensate for the damage.
Agrotechnics make the difference
Experts emphasize that crop condition largely depends on the application of agrotechnical measures. Fields where farmers invested in quality agrotechnics look better, while those without proper care are in poor condition.
What’s ahead?
According to experts, the next two to three weeks will show how much the rainy spell will help cereals recover after the heat. Still, average yields this year won’t meet expectations, and the question remains whether food prices will rise in Serbia and worldwide.
Statistics and areas
According to the Statistical Office, areas under corn are slightly larger than last year, while areas under soy and sunflower are somewhat smaller. Corn covers over 1.2 million hectares, sunflower about 400,000 hectares, and soy about 200,000 hectares.
Conclusion: Rain is needed but not a magic wand
Precipitation is certainly welcome but cannot fully repair the damage caused by prolonged drought and high temperatures. Farmers and experts hope the coming period will bring more stable weather so crops can recover and yield at least a decent harvest.
Got your own take on how this agricultural drama will end? Or maybe a tip for the farming heroes? Drop a comment! And hey, a little laugh at this crazy weather won’t hurt—maybe the rain will still bring a good story!
