With rain in the forecast: irrigate or wait?

The spring of 2025 has been dry, sunny and windy so far. Precipitation has been limited for weeks and on many plots soil moisture is slowly dropping to critical levels. However, there is doubt among growers whether they should already start irrigating, because the weather forecast predicts rain for the coming weekend. The participants of the Crop Tour differ in their approach when it comes to irrigating this dry spring of 2025.

Daan Tap from Elst (Gelderland) indicated last week that he would start irrigating that evening. "The wind is too strong now to turn it on. I could still manage for a week with the amount of moisture that is still present in the soil, but if I only start then, I will immediately be behind the facts."

Gybert Doggen from Wouw (North Brabant) had already irrigated: "We first irrigated before earthing up, because it was very clumpy. The plants are not yet above ground, but there is still enough moisture in the soil in most places. We are only starting to water the fine-seeded crops now." 

Alex van Erp from Midwolda (Groningen): "We are going to irrigate the onions first and then the potatoes that are planted later, which are also irrigated before being tilled. The early planted potatoes have had 40 to 50 millimeters of rain here after planting, so they will be fine for the time being." Alex plants with size 50/60.

Adriaan Wortman from Dronten (Flevoland) indicates that he has not yet irrigated. About 2,5 weeks ago, 7 millimeters of precipitation fell on his plot, which proved sufficient for the time being. He is now busy spreading 200 kilos of Kas. Although it is getting drier, he is confident of the announced rain. The tuber formation has started well and the first tubers are visible. As far as diseases are concerned, it has also remained calm due to the dry weather, so that no crop protection was yet necessary.

Wouter Vierboom from Leuth (Gelderland) is still in doubt whether he will irrigate. "There is still plenty of moisture in the ridge of the seed potatoes and I would rather wait a bit longer with the potato prices." He is also counting on the predicted precipitation.

Most positive about turnout
Most growers are positive about the emergence. Alex van Erp sees the crops 'coming up beautifully evenly'. René Mesken is also satisfied: "Also a good emergence. So far the year is going according to plan." Adriaan Wortman agrees and sees a good emergence everywhere.

Rain is expected in the coming week, which will further replenish soil moisture reserves and benefit crop growth.

Attendance at Adriaan Wortman in Dronten Alex van Erp from Midwolda Alex van Erp from Midwolda Daan Tap from Elst Gybert Doggen from Wouw Wouter Vierboom from Leuth Jan Kolhorn from Uithuizermeeden

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