Drought and heat plague Zeeland and Limburg

It is very dry in the Netherlands. So dry, in fact, that we are heading for a historically dry summer. Recent weather reports predict that the precipitation deficit before the end of July will be at the same level as 1976. Especially the plots in Zeeland and Limburg, which participate in the Boerenbusiness Crops suffer from the drought and heat.

On the plot in Scharendijke the crop no longer grows. The lower leaf of the plant turns yellow and falls off. The plants on this plot have rejected the tubers. Whereas before an average of 8 tubers per plant were counted, there are now only 6.

The south of the country
On the plot in Fijnaart the crop looks a bit more vital. It has now been irrigated twice, with 2 to 20 millimeters each time. Every week 25 pull is irrigated on this plot. The crop seems to be recovering in the dark days and moderate temperatures. However, the foliage is already collapsing, but tuber molting has not yet occurred. 

On the plot in Hank do you have the potatoes? last had the rain. The plots that were planted before the rain show that tubers have been rejected. Where there were previously 13 to 14 tubers on the plant, there are now 10. This plot has now been irrigated 4 times. Irrigation keeps the crop vital, which is why it will be watered for the fifth time this week. In places where the irrigation system does not water or does not water properly, it can be seen that the crop is on the decline.

Also on the plot in Escharen seems to be bearing fruit. Irrigation keeps the crop reasonably green. This plot has now been irrigated 4 times, each time 30 millimeters was given. The crop remains alive, but growth lags far behind. The foliage also collapses.

Limburg ravaged
Earlier it appeared that the consequences of the drought are clearly noticeable on the plot in Limburg. The crop is now starting to discolour. The potatoes do not grow during the day and the foliage hangs limp. In the meantime, this plot has been irrigated twice, each time giving 2 millimeters. This plot is irrigated with mains water.An overview of the state of the crops on plots that participate in the Crop Tour.

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