Dryness in Hesse: Risk of forest fire and consequences for agriculture!

Dryness in Hesse: Risk of forest fire and consequences for agriculture!

Spring in Hesse is all about the persistent high -pressure weather. According to n-tv has been one of the driest since the start of the weather records in 1881. This extraordinary dryness is one result Winters, in which above average rainfall fell. In addition to the sunlight, this has both positive and negative effects on agriculture and nature.

For many farmers in Hesse, the drought initially brings advantages. The conditions are ideal for sowing summer cereals, as tractors can easily drive. Nevertheless, the farmers' association expresses concerns and warns of future problems, since more soil moisture is urgently needed to germinate grain and sugar beet. The persistent heat also has a direct impact on the growth of the plants and the harvest yields.

forest fire risk and nature conservation

The Hessian Ministry of Forest also warns of an increased risk of forest fires. Already in March there were several forest fires in the Hanau and Jossgrund regions. The current situation led to the introduction of a ban on smoke in forests and to the spread of recommendations for fire avoidance, especially with regard to the operation of vehicles in endangered areas. The Ministry has the opportunity to trigger alarm levels A or B, which are associated with increased monitoring and control of the endangered forest areas.

In order to minimize the risk of forest fire, contact between the affected departments, the state company Hessen-Forst and the Ministry of the Interior is intensified. Information about the current danger situation is to be passed on to the population by the press.

economic effects

The economic effects of the drought are also noticeable. Large tankers on the Rhine can no longer be completely loaded because the water level decreases continuously. Critical sections in the Rhine Valley between Wiesbaden and St. Goarshausen have to be deepened to maintain shipping. The low water level in 2018 had already led to billions in inland shipping.

The drought also has a negative effect on the wildlife. Insect populations decrease, which also affects bird stocks. One example is swallows that have difficulties in building nest due to a lack of clay. If you look at the amphibians, they urgently need rain in order not to dry out and to be able to successfully drain.

effects on agriculture

In view of the long-term climatic changes, as forecast in Julius Kühn institute , the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves can be expected. These developments are also supported by the IPCC reports. The temperature increase in Central Europe could be between 1 ° C and 5 ° C until 2100, which brings significant challenges for agricultural production.

A longer vegetation period and previous stages of development are expected. Farmers have to become increasingly on weather extreme because they can lead to loss of earnings and quality. In East Germany in particular, a higher risk of drought stress is predicted.

On the more positive side, however, ice cream parlors have a higher demand due to the predominantly sunny weather, which represents a small economic lightening in the middle of the difficult conditions.