Major differences in potato growing areas

The division in the Netherlands is great. Because the rainfall in the past period fell very locally, the situation on the potato plots within a radius of 5 kilometers can vary enormously. This is clearly visible, especially in the polder. One potato grower speaks of almost perfect conditions, while his neighbor has a low level of water on the plot and is therefore unable to harvest. The precipitation map below also shows this. For example, the southern part of Flevoland has an average rainfall deficit of 100 millimeters, while in the northern part this is at least 180 millimeters.

In the south of the country, the situation is completely reversed. Drought still prevails here. The situation is most extreme on the plots in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and in parts of Limburg. According to the insiders, quite a few millimeters still need to fall on some plots before harvesting can start at the end of September. At the moment, those two areas are still experiencing a rainfall deficit of approximately 2 millimeters.

Precipitation deficit reflects situation
However, the fact that most plots in the country are generally in reasonably good condition is confirmed by the KNMI data regarding the rainfall deficit in the Netherlands. While 1 month Back when a deficit of 248 millimeters was noted, this has now been reduced to 216 millimeters. This means that the year 2020 has clearly moved away from the line of the 5% driest years, although the median is still very far away. A short period of heat is again forecast for the coming days, but this is not expected to reduce the precipitation deficit to the 5% driest years.

No major problems are expected before the start of the main harvest in the Netherlands. Most potato plots currently have sufficient moisture in the soil. The weather forecasts for the coming days also do not cause any major headaches in the Netherlands. Knowledge shows that the soil no longer dries out so extremely in mid-September. The only hope for growers is that the weather will be 'solid' in 2 weeks.

Bigger problems in Belgium
In the Netherlands, the situation locally is very variable, but cannot necessarily be called problematic. This does not apply in Belgium. It is extremely dry throughout Wallonia, which is why hectare yields are expected to be 10 to 15 tons lower. With an area of ​​approximately 43.500 hectares, this means a loss of approximately 250.000 tons of potatoes.

The heat that is predicted for next week will cause a lot more headaches for our southern neighbors. There is virtually no hope that the potatoes can grow anymore. In addition, the ground is hard and water was desperately needed. Now that no precipitation is predicted for the coming period, starting harvesting (without irrigation) is not yet an option. Is it expected that the main harvest will start much later? No, not that either. According to insiders, it is still too early to make any statements about this.