ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS BRIEF

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 4, 2002
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: June 1, 1975
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
SECRET
25X1
Environment Analysis Brief
GCR/EAB 75-3
June 1975
This is the third of a series of periodic reports
on the condition of the Soviet grain crop based
on all-source analysis meteorological
data, and collateral in ormation. It was prepared
by the Environment Analysis Staff of the Office of
Geographic and Cartographic Research. The report
was produced without the aid of computer modeling
and does not represent finished intelligence.
Status of 1974.75 Soviet Grain Crops
Soil moisture reserves continue to be the critical factor in
the development of the 1974-75 Soviet winter and spring grain crop.
Favorable crop conditions in the western Ukraine indicate excellent
harvest prospects. By mid-May, winter wheat had flowered and the
maximum grains per head had been established. In the eastern
oblasts of the Ukraine and the central Volga Region, however,
winter grains were experiencing a critical lack of soil moisture.
Unless precipitation is adequate by the second or third week of
June, the yields from these crops will be significantly reduced.
The spring wheat in the eastern oblasts of the New Lands
(east of 70?E) started with unusually high reserves of soil
moisture and appears to have excellent prospects. On the other
hand, the western portion of the spring wheat region (generally
50?-70?E) opened the planting season with soil moisture reserves
at the critical level. The development of the spring wheat crop
in this area is now entirely dependent upon the seasonal rainfall.
The area identified on the map as having critically low soil
moisture normally produces about 3 million tons of winter wheat
and 18 million tons of spring wheat; the western area of low
soil moisture produces about 7 million tons of winter wheat.
25X1 D
SECRET
Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
 25X1 Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
 Approved For Release 2002/05/07 : CIA-RDP79-01056A000100080003-8
SECQET
Status of Soil Moisture in Major Soviet Grain Areas
As of 20 May 1975
CRITICALLY LOW
Less than 50 mm of available moisture
in the upper meter of soil
LOW
50-100 mm of available moisture hh~~'~
upper meter of soil ~'~Ar wed F;nrRel