Autumn conditions are turning into a challenge for Bulgarian farmers. Prolonged rainfall has blocked machinery, oversaturated fields, and left large areas unsown. As the optimal period for autumn sowing expires, many farmers are wondering – should we continue sowing or is it time for another strategy? Sowing in November and December poses serious risks. The main issue is that crops do not have time to develop sufficient leaf mass and root systems before winter. This makes them more vulnerable to freezing, sharp temperature fluctuations, and stress. As a result, the yield potential decreases significantly. Another critical risk is muddy tillage. Oversaturated soil and heavy machinery lead to severe compaction of the soil layer. This hinders water and air exchange, disrupts root development, and often results in uneven germination. In many cases, such crops fail to recover even in a good spring. The economic risk is also significant – expenses for seeds, fuel, and operations that ...