After drought, salt damage is now threatening in Flanders

Despite a few small rain showers, it remains extremely dry in the Flemish coastal region. The capture ban, which was introduced in mid-June, is therefore extended by another 14 days. In addition, new problems are lurking; rising salinity in the water.

Since mid-June, most West Flemish municipalities have introduced a capping ban on the use of surface water for irrigation. A month later, little has changed. The water shortage is still acute. Water levels are still falling and new problems are emerging.

Salt water is advancing
West Flanders warns farmers for an extremely high salt content in the water. A salinity of 5000 µS/cm or higher is measured at various places in the Flemish polders. This water is very harmful to both animals and crops. Increased salenity has now also been established in alternative water sources. The salt level in many places is so high that it is no longer suitable for drinking water extraction.

Capping ban extended
The weather forecasts have little rain in store for the second half of July. West Flanders therefore extends the capture ban by 14 days. The ban on using drinking water for washing cars and watering the garden will not be extended. The governor does, however, call on to use drinking water sparingly.

Find alternatives
The province is looking for alternative water supplies to accommodate farmers. Anyone who wants to be eligible for water capture must apply for a permit. Even effluent from water treatment plants is already used to irrigate crops, if the quality permits.

Drought is a disaster
The extraction ban is a disaster for farmers in the region. A lot of potatoes are grown in West Flanders. The area is mainly known for large-scale vegetable cultivation. A high concentration of vegetable processors is located there. All these crops need water to grow. In order to obtain water, some farmers even crossed the border to pump water in northern France. This led to a real water war, after which the use of surface water was quickly restricted.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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