- Precipitation is point-like, so differences even between counties and even municipalities can be significant.
- Mainly corn and root crops benefit from the current storm rainfall.
- Torrential rains fell in many regions, causing damage in the form of flooding and soil crusting. They also suspended the harvest.
According to the new drought report of IUNG-PIB in Puławy, the water deficit in the current six-decade period (May 11 – July 10) has decreased by 22 mm compared to the previous period. Unfortunately, the Institute still indicates significant water shortages in some regions.
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Corn flowering is a key period for yield
The average value of the Climatic Water Balance (KBW) for the country, on the basis of which the drought risk is assessed, was negative and amounted to -99 mm.
Where is the greatest drought recorded?
The greatest water shortages from -160 to -219 mm were recorded in the following areas: Masurian Lake District, Polesie, Lublin Upland, Masovian Lowland and Podlasie. In the south of the country and in western and north-western Poland, the water deficit was the smallest, ranging from -50 to -119 mm. In the rest of the country, water shortages for crops ranging from -120 to -159 mm were recorded.
Source: IUNG-PIB
Agricultural drought occurred in all voivodeships and affected twelve crops. It has been found in:
- Rapeseed and turnip rape,
- spring cereals,
- fruit bushes,
- corn for grain,
- Corn for silage,
- legumes,
- winter cereals,
- Strawberries,
- ground vegetables,
- Tobacco,
- fruit trees,
- Hops.
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We know when the drought application will be launched this year
Which crops will suffer the most from rainfall deficit?
Precipitation primarily improves the situation of corn, sugar beet and potato. However, IUNG-PIB still confirms drought in corn, whether for grain or silage. It was recorded in 826 municipalities (33.35% of Polish municipalities). The greatest impact of drought on this crop is recorded in the province. Masovia and Podlasie. So far, the report does not indicate any drought in root crops, which are not favored by the current heat. Sugar beet is under great stress due to high temperatures and does not recover adequately in lighter or imperfect sites. Plants lose older leaves, which are sunburned and die. Potato also reacts negatively to high temperatures and spot rainfall does not favor tuberization (the process of tuber formation). Irregular rainfall often results in disturbances in their development and a reduction in the production of commercial tubers. In the case of other agricultural crops, high rainfall interrupts the harvest and may result in deterioration of the quality of the harvested produce.
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Drought returns to the fields. It applies to 16 voivodeships, 11 crops, including corn
