Despite the fact that we have a winter period during which the vegetation is at a standstill, the current drought warns us of possible problems in the spring and summer. Recharge of moisture in the soil and groundwater during the cold half-year is an important factor for the moisture conditions, especially in the spring. Considering the results of the study for Slovakia, which was published last year, we notice a significant increase in dry months during the spring. Due to the fact that spring drought often recurs, a moisture deficit already in the winter season can currently accumulate a significant worsening of the effects of the spring drought itself.
We have already noted similar situation with a moisture deficit in the winter period, which complicated agricultural plans and contributed to the reduction of the harvest, even in the recent past. In those years, after a dry winter, there was a spring, or also the summer drought, which led to a reduced yield of some agricultural crops. The current situation therefore means a warning in the coming weeks that unless the weather situation changes significantly and the trend from previous years continues, farmers will have to prepare for the possible negative impact of drought in the coming months and adapt their work in the fields accordingly. The moisture deficit in the past months can have a negative impact on fruit orchards as well.
More information:
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