Will the onion harvest break loose after this heat wave?

Once again, the Gewastour's onion plots will have to deal with higher temperatures. There is even regional talk of a heat wave, including on the plot in Oeffelt (North Brabant). Will the heat wave ensure that the onion fields are cleared earlier than expected?

On the Gewastour plot in Oeffelt (North Brabant), it has been warmer than 2 degrees Celsius since Tuesday 25 August. Last weekend the temperature even exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, the Sencrop weather pole shows.

Onion fields die faster due to heat
Temperatures on the other Crop Tour plots also rose to above 30 degrees Celsius last weekend. On the onion fields in Dronten (Flevoland), Kortgene (Zeeland) and Tollebeek (Flevoland), these temperatures ensure that the foliage dies more quickly. The onion plot in Kortgene has also been hit by the heat wave. 

Due to the accelerated death of the foliage, harvesting may also take place earlier than expected. Both the plot in Kortgene and the plot in Tollebeek will probably be harvested after the weekend. 

Different situation
However, the situation in other parts of the country is completely different. On the plot in Kimswerd (Friesland), for example, the onions are still green. The crop irons a bit faster due to these higher temperatures, but no damage to the crop can be observed. On Friday, August 23, the plot in Zweeloo (Drenthe) was still irrigated, mainly in the hope of keeping the onions still green. Except for a single yellow pipe, the crop still shows fresh green. 

The influence of the high temperatures will depend on the stage of the crop. The plots that were ironed early may be cleared earlier. This while green parcels can still handle some growth. 

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