Clear skies emerged post downpour, promising a prosperous harvest with the appearance of sunshine.
In the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, farmers like Jens Albrecht are grappling with the aftermath of the region's recent intense rainfall. A total of 50,000 cubic meters of water was brought onto Jens' crops, a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
The heavy downpours, reaching up to 140 liters per square meter within 12 hours, triggered the highest alert levels due to flood risks and safety hazards such as aquaplaning and landslides[1][3]. Although there were no immediate damages reported, the flooding risks remain a concern for agricultural areas[5].
Excessive rainfall can lead to several issues for crops. Soil saturation and waterlogging reduce oxygen availability, potentially causing root diseases and stunting growth[6]. Flooding may wash away seeds or young plants, or cause erosion. Delayed harvesting and field access problems make it difficult for farmers to tend to or collect crops on time[6].
Moreover, the region's bogs and moors, which have experienced past water deficits, are seeing rapidly rising water levels after heavy rains, indicating that soil and groundwater conditions can change quickly[2]. While this may benefit forest ecosystems, agricultural crops are less tolerant of such saturation.
The poor harvesting conditions have significantly affected Jens Albrecht's farm. His peas, wheat, and rapeseed are still standing in the fields, and the frequent showers and heavy rainfall have slowed down the harvest of field crops[4]. The high cost of drying is a significant issue, as the quality of wheat and grains is going down due to the rain[3].
Jens grows potatoes on a total area of 50 hectares. Four and a half hectares of his potato harvest go directly to market on the farm, while the rest, around 1,800 tons, goes to a potato processor in Hagenow[4]. However, the marketing of these crops is becoming increasingly difficult due to their poor quality[3].
The weather in the northeast has been particularly unfavorable, with prolonged rain showers hindering the harvest[8]. The heavy rainfall in recent weeks was crucial as Germany had one of the driest springs on record[9]. Farmers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including Jens, are significantly behind in harvesting their field crops[8].
The heavy rain has promoted unwanted growth in Jens' pea crops, causing concerns about weeds and moisture[7]. The potato plants have also been affected, making it necessary to treat late blight due to the increasing moisture[7]. The high cost of drying is a significant issue, exacerbated by the poor harvesting conditions[3].
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern experienced record rainfall in July, with 125 liters of precipitation per square meter[10]. The sun struggled in the northeast in July, shining for only 190 hours[11]. Jens hopes for consistently good weather in the coming weeks, with about ten to 14 days of dry weather, sunshine, warmth, and wind to create suitable conditions for the harvest[12].
Earlier in the year, Jens had to irrigate some fields as early as May due to the dry soil[12]. Despite these challenges, the resilience of farmers like Jens Albrecht shines through as they continue to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.
[1] https://www.dwd.de/DE/Sonderseiten/Flutwarnungen/flutwarnungen.html [2] https://www.nach-natur.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern-hochwasser-die-moore-sind-gefaehrdet/ [3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/regen-schadet-dem-getreide-an-der-qualitaet-und-verursacht-hohe-trockenkosten/27196940.html [4] https://www.morgenpost.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/schwerin/article250605018/Regen-und-Mist-schaden-den-Ernten.html [5] https://www.dwd.de/DE/Sonderseiten/Flutwarnungen/flutwarnungen.html [6] https://www.agrarwelt.de/wetter/regen-hochwasser-gefahren-fur-landwirtschaft-in-mecklenburg-vorpommern [7] https://www.morgenpost.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/schwerin/article250605018/Regen-und-Mist-schaden-den-Ernten.html [8] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/regen-schadet-dem-getreide-an-der-qualitaet-und-verursacht-hohe-trockenkosten/27196940.html [9] https://www.dwd.de/DE/Sonderseiten/Klima/klima.html [10] https://www.dwd.de/DE/Sonderseiten/Flutwarnungen/flutwarnungen.html [11] https://www.dwd.de/DE/Sonderseiten/Klima/klima.html [12] https://www.morgenpost.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/schwerin/article250605018/Regen-und-Mist-schaden-den-Ernten.html
The heavy rainfall has negatively affected Jens Albrecht's crops, making it challenging for him to harvest his peas, wheat, and rapeseed on time due to the excess moisture. The poor weather conditions, such as the prolonged rain showers, have also decreased the quality of Jens' wheat and grains, increasing the cost of drying.
