Spread the Word: Rain Brings Little Solace to Rhineland-Palatinate
Scarce relief for crops, woodlands, and waterways in RLP: Persistent dryness prevails
Feeling the heat after a dry spring, Rhineland-Palatinate got a taste of rainfall in early June. But this refresh didn't quite hit the spot for the parched region.
Spring temperatures left the area 60 to 70 liters drier than usual, according to the ARD Weather Competence Center. With an average of only 30 liters of rain in June, the soil was far from rejuvenated. Even weekend thunderstorms couldn't quench the thirst, as heavy rains quickly drain away and fail to penetrate the soil. So, the drought wages on, upping the risk of forest fires in the coming days.
Farmers: Just Enough, Just in Time
For the Rhineland-Palatinate South Farmers' and Winegrowers' Association, the recent downpours came at just the right moment for many crops, but with a catch. The grain crop could still use more rain, and excessive moisture could lead to fungal diseases. Regional variations mean that some areas fared better than others. Vegetable farming in the Vorderpfalz is more resilient because farmers can irrigate their fields, though this racks up costs. Wines are least affected as vine roots draw water from underground sources.
The rain, while not ideal in large quantities, is crucial for fruit farming to promote fruit size. Flooding must be avoided, as it might lead to rot.
No Direct Recovery for Groundwater
While rainfall might benefit vegetation on the surface, it's not that simple for groundwater. The water supply company Rheinhessen-Pfalz GmbH (wvr) explained that the vegetation absorbs its water needs first, and excessive rain in high temperatures can lead to evaporation. It can take weeks or months for the remaining water to reach the groundwater, depending on the soil type. Furthermore, around 25 percent of the groundwater recharge is missing annually in Rhineland-Palatinate, and even 40 percent in Rheinhessen. The wvr encourages their customers to use water responsibly.
Groundwater Recharge from Bank Filtrate
The wvr obtains drinking water predominantly from bank filtrate of the Rhine, so that no groundwater reserves need to be tapped. Although groundwater has not been extracted so far, complications might arise this year as one well of the bank filtrate gallery in Guntersblum is undergoing renovation. This long-term renovation plan plays a vital role in securing the area's drinking water supply in the future.
Drought Stress on Forests
Though the soil has absorbed some rain, it's still too dry for forests according to the Rhineland-Palatinate Forest Administration. Areas of concern include the Rhine plain, Moselle valley, Palatinate Forest, North Palatinate Hill Forest, and Soonwald. The situation calls for gentle, sustained rainfall to alleviate the drought stress on trees. Fortunately, this week's rain has reduced the risk of forest fires.
Mosquitoes on the Rise
With the rain comes a resurgence of mosquitoes on the Rhine. High numbers of mosquito larvae were found due to the flooded breeding grounds from the heavy rain. The Communal Working Group for the Control of the Midges (KABS) has intensified its fight against these biting insects, using helicopters to sow insecticide BTI to combat the mosquitoes in affected regions.
To help combat the biting midge population, BTI tablets are once again available for free at the Mainz environmental center. The distribution was temporarily halted due to a European regulation on the trade of biocides, requiring those who distribute these products to undergo specific training. With employee training now complete, the tablets are once again at your disposal.
- In the midst of climate-change-induced weather patterns, the parched Rhineland-Palatinate region tallies insufficient rainwater for environmental-science purposes, with precipitation only reaching an average of 30 liters in June, as reported by the ARD Weather Competence Center.
- Despite the recent flooded breeding grounds due to heavy rain, the rise in mosquitoes on the Rhine calls for increased use of the insecticide BTI to combat them, as recommended by the Communal Working Group for the Control of the Midges (KABS).
