There is no doubt that this year ranks among the driest of this century. This is not due to a single factor, but rather to a combination of several adverse conditions. “The already very dry and warm winter played a significant role. Snowfall averaged only about 60 percent of the long-term average for the period between 1961 and 2000. The lack of winter precipitation was subsequently compounded by above-average temperatures throughout the year, which led to more intense evaporation,” explains Zdeněk Žalud, head of the Institute of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology at the Faculty of Agronomy at MENDELU.
Meteorological spring—that is, the period from March to May—had an average temperature of 9.2 °C and was the eighth warmest since 1961. The summer so far has also been warmer than average, primarily due to an exceptionally warm June. Furthermore, the higher temperatures accelerated the onset of vegetation growth, which began earlier and thus drew available water from the soil more rapidly. “However, the lack of precipitation remains a fundamental problem. During the meteorological spring, only 85 millimeters of precipitation fell in total—57 percent of the normal amount for the period between 1991 and 2020. Precipitation in June and July also fell short of normal levels. Moreover, it often took the form of thunderstorms, preventing the water from seeping sufficiently into the soil. “Intense downpours, on the other hand, increased the risk of water erosion in some areas,” adds Žalud. Although there are differences between individual regions, by mid-August the drought situation was very severe across virtually the entire territory of the Czech Republic.
Forage crops, corn, potatoes, and hops are suffering the most
The most significant impacts of the drought are evident primarily in perennial forage crops and permanent grasslands. The lack of moisture has affected both the first and second harvests, leading to lower biomass production and, consequently, rising feed prices. In some cases, the current situation has been one of the factors contributing to the decision to discontinue cattle farming. Cereals, on the other hand, performed relatively well on average. Their quality was mostly satisfactory, and yields—especially for winter cereals—did not drop dramatically. “The situation is much more complicated for crops with longer growing seasons. The drought and high temperatures affected, for example, corn, sunflowers, potatoes, hops, and fruit crops. For potatoes, the water shortage was reflected primarily in smaller tubers, while for hops, the combination of high temperatures and drought significantly reduced the quality of the crop. The current cooling and rainfall, especially in Bohemia, will not save the situation,” explains Žalud.
Corn has also been severely affected. The problem is not only lower overall yields but also reduced quality in many areas. The plants are drying out prematurely, the cobs remain underdeveloped, and in some cases, poor grain filling occurs due to insufficient pollination. “Another typical feature of this year is the earlier harvest of virtually all crops. The silage corn harvest is already in full swing, and the grape harvest is also beginning. Problems are also emerging with cover crops sown after the summer harvest, which are struggling to emerge due to a lack of moisture,” he adds.
The drought is benefiting vineyards in some areas, but causing damage in others
The situation may be relatively favorable for winegrowers, but only in areas where the vineyards have been spared extreme weather events. Heat waves are often followed by thunderstorms accompanied by hail, which can have devastating effects on the crop. For example, vineyards in Velké Bílovice are counting losses in the millions following a hailstorm. Moreover, grapevines are not entirely resistant to prolonged water shortages. “The worst situation is on light, sandy, and shallow soils, where younger vineyards in particular suffer from drought. In some areas, small and withering berries are appearing, which is an extraordinary phenomenon for this deep-rooted perennial crop,” says Žalud.
The current rainfall will not save this year’s harvest for the most part
The cooling and rainfall, which have mainly affected Bohemia, can no longer fundamentally change this year’s situation for most of the affected crops. The critical phenological stages, during which biomass and key yield-determining factors are formed, have already passed. One crop that may still benefit somewhat from the current rainfall is sugar beet. However, farmers must now also turn their attention to the next growing season.
Rapeseed has already been planted in many areas, and sufficient moisture will be crucial for good germination. This is all the more important after a prolonged period of drought and high temperatures. In addition, in a few weeks, pre-sowing soil preparation and the subsequent planting of winter grains will begin. “The soil is currently dry to a considerable depth, which significantly impairs its workability. Agricultural operations are more energy-intensive, and fuel consumption is also increasing. At the same time, dry soil is more susceptible to wind erosion, which carries away the finest and most valuable soil particles,” explains researcher Vladimír Smutný from the Institute of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology.
Agriculture Must Adapt to Climate Change
Climate change is also gradually affecting crop composition and cultivation technologies. Crops that were less common in the past and are better able to tolerate heat or water scarcity are appearing more frequently in the Czech countryside. These include, for example, sorghum and millet. Soybeans are becoming more prevalent at higher elevations, and climate change is also opening up opportunities for certain more heat-loving fruit species, such as figs.
However, according to experts from the Faculty of Agronomy at MENDELU, traditional crops will continue to form the foundation of Czech agriculture. The main changes will involve crop varieties, which will need to be better adapted to higher temperatures and more frequent water shortages. “New genomic techniques and modern breeding offer great potential in this regard. Their importance may continue to grow alongside gradual changes in the European regulatory environment,” predicts Žalud. “Winter forms of crops, which are better able to utilize winter moisture, may also gain greater importance. Less common practices are also being tested, such as the fall sowing of certain spring barley varieties, even though this carries the risk of frost damage to the crops,” says Smutný.
The adaptation of Czech agriculture to warmer and drier conditions will not rely on a single measure. It will involve a combination of more suitable varieties and crops, more efficient management of soil moisture, changes in cultivation technologies, and, where possible, more efficient use of irrigation. The good news is that farmers are already implementing many of these measures in practice.
The authors of this commentary are:
Prof. Ing. Zdeněk Žalud, Ph.D., Department of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology, Faculty of Agriculture, Mendel University, zdenek.zalud@mendelu.cz, 545 133 083
Assoc. Prof. Ing. Vladimír Smutný, Ph.D., Department of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology, Faculty of Agriculture, Mendel University, vladimir.smutny@mendelu.cz, 603 231 018