Reserves of soil productive humidity are the key to high yield of sunflower

Abstract

The Earth upward trend in average annual air temperatures has led to increased physical evaporation of water from soil and plant transpiration. This phenomenon raises questions about the adequacy of soil moisture reserves to support optimal plant growth under changing environmental conditions. In addition to precipitation, factors such as constanty updated sunflower varieties (hybrids), mineral nutrition, and irrigation techniques significantly impact sunflower yields. This study aims to assess the correlation between key climatic parameters in the Republic of Moldova and sunflower yield. Analyzing data on average annual air temperatures and spring moisture reserves from 2006 to 2020, it was found out that, on average, climatic conditions in this region ensure a sunflower yield of up to 20 quintals per hectare over a 15-year period. Knowing the spring reserves of productive moisture in the soil and precipitation levels from April to July allows for predictive modeling of sunflower yield.