Irrigation needed again, drought remains an item

There is already plenty of irrigation in various places, especially in the provinces of Flevoland and Zeeland. Although the rain at the end of February has brought some relief, drought remains a concern for many farmers.

Irrigation mainly takes place in the fields with flower bulbs and tulips, although onion and beet fields are also being sprinkled here and there. "This was done to get the onions and beets to the top. The expectation was that there would be rain before sowing, but in the end almost no precipitation fell. However, 'primed seed' must germinate in 1 go, which means that now is being irrigated again", reports Jan Salomons, advisor at Delphy.

Bottom layer still dry
"In addition, you see, especially in the grains, that the bottom layer of the soil is still on the dry side. This means that various locations in the country are continuing to work on the shortage that arose last season. In addition, irrigation is currently not possible." difficult, because of the wind and the fact that it is bad for the structure," said Salomons. If it remains dry, Salomons expects that the seed potatoes will also have to be irrigated quickly. "This is especially important for tuber setting."

In addition, the beets and onions that were sown in February have already been irrigated, especially because the top of the soil is already hardening in various places. However, these are exceptions. For example, in the province of Zeeland, it is often not allowed to irrigate and it is the first watering ban of this season also announced in North Brabant. 

Other areas are okay
Although it was already necessary to irrigate in the southwest of the country and in the province of Flevoland, it is not yet necessary in most of the country. In the southeast of the Netherlands it seems to be somewhat less dry. That is why the growers there are still waiting to plant the potatoes† the soil has yet to dry up further. 

Drought still plays a role in the rest of Europe. For example, the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) also states that there is still insufficient precipitation. The groundwater levels in 33% of the locations in Flanders are very low for this time of the year.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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