Maize and Sunflowers Struggle Amid Severe Water Deficit
HungaroMet reports minimal rainfall across Hungary, with July precipitation significantly below average. Only western Transdanubia received over five millimeters, while central and eastern regions saw less than one millimeter. Despite some border areas receiving heavy showers, deficits up to 70 millimeters persist. The topsoil is mostly dry, though deeper layers retain moisture. Crops are maturing early, with sunflowers blooming and corn ripening. Irrigation is critical, and the drought is expected to worsen.
According to HungaroMet, rainfall has been minimal, with only a small region of western Transdanubia receiving over five millimeters on Sunday. July’s precipitation was notably low in central and eastern Transdanubia and the western Great Plain, with some areas getting less than one millimeter. Despite heavy showers in certain border regions and parts of the Great Plain, monthly totals are still below the long-term average, with deficits reaching up to 70 millimeters in some areas.
The top layer of soil is mostly dry, though deeper soil layers retain some water.
Crops are about three weeks ahead of schedule, with sunflowers blooming and corn drying and ripening. Irrigation is essential for optimal crop development due to insufficient rainfall. The drought has also limited leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Warm weather will persist, with a chance of rain in the Transdanubian region on Friday and the northeast on Saturday, but dry conditions are expected to return on Sunday with possible showers and thunderstorms on Monday.
The drought is anticipated to worsen as soil continues to dry out across Hungary.
Source Link : https://hungarytoday.hu/maize-and-sunflowers-struggle-amid-severe-water-deficit/
