Significant rainfall in many parts of northern China this week, favorable for wheat jointing

Recently, according to the national agrometeorological report released by the China Meteorological Administration, it is expected that this week most areas of northern China will receive 15-40 mm of rainfall, which is very favorable for soil moisture replenishment and the jointing growth of winter wheat; the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River will see relatively heavy rainfall, so trenches should be cleared and land leveled and water should be stored in time, and attention should be paid to guarding against the adverse effects of localized heavy rainfall on rapeseed flowering and pod setting, early rice sowing and seedling raising, and seedling growth.

Last week, temperatures in most parts of the country were 1-4°C higher than usual, among which southwestern and northeastern Xinjiang, central and eastern Inner Mongolia, central and northern Northeast China, the Sichuan Basin and other places were 4-6°C higher, with some areas more than 6°C higher. Precipitation in most parts of the country was below normal, and only northern Xinjiang, eastern Northwest China, and the central and southern parts of Southwest China received 50% to 4 times more precipitation than usual. Sunshine hours in most parts of the country were close to or slightly above the same period of usual years, among which most of the Jianghuai region and eastern Jianghan and other places had 20-30 hours more sunshine than usual.

It is expected that this week, eastern Northwest China, North China, Huanghuai and other places will receive 15-40 mm of rainfall, which is clearly favorable for the regreening and jointing growth of winter wheat, soil moisture replenishment, alleviation of drought, and preparation for spring plowing and sowing. Northwestern Xinjiang and the Tianshan region, southern Tibet and other places will see light to moderate snow or sleet, with heavy to blizzard conditions in some areas, which is unfavorable for livestock cold protection and warmth keeping and for facility agriculture production. The average temperature in the spring sowing areas of Jiangnan will be slightly higher than the same period of usual years, which is generally favorable for the growth and development of standing crops such as rapeseed and for early rice sowing and seedling raising. The spring sowing areas of Jiangnan will have many overcast and rainy days, with the main rainfall periods on the 29th and April 2-4; the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River will see relatively heavy rainfall, with precipitation in some areas along the river reaching 60-120 mm. Heavy rainfall is unfavorable for early rice sowing and seedling raising, dryland spring sowing, and rapeseed flowering and pod setting. At the same time, weather with suitable temperatures and high humidity can also easily lead to the breeding and spread of crop diseases and insect pests.

In this regard, agricultural meteorology experts suggest that winter wheat areas in the north should seize the favorable opportunity of rainfall, apply fertilizer reasonably, provide sufficient water and fertilizer conditions for the regreening and jointing growth of winter wheat, and promote robust growth of wheat seedlings. Spring sowing work in the north is gradually being carried out, and areas with rainfall should sow while there is sufficient soil moisture and adopt plastic film mulching measures to ensure smooth emergence of seedlings. Areas in northern Xinjiang and southern Tibet with heavy snowfall should reinforce greenhouses and livestock sheds in time, and pay attention to increasing temperature and keeping warm.

The Jiangnan region will have many overcast and rainy days, and areas with excessively wet soil should clear trenches and regulate soil moisture in time to prevent waterlogging damage; areas where early rice has not yet been sown should seize the gaps between rainfall to complete the early rice sowing task. South China should appropriately speed up the progress of early rice transplanting, pay attention to controlling the water layer, and promote early and rapid growth of rice seedlings. In addition, crop diseases and insect pests in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are entering a period of high incidence, and all localities should pay attention to monitoring and controlling diseases and insect pests.