Over the past 6 months, meaning since October, it has rained more compared to the average recorded amount of rainfall of the past 30 years. The only exception was December. In March, it was nearly 30% more than usual. In February, it was almost double, with over 100 litres per square metre. Similarly, in November, there was nearly double the average rainfall, with as much as 141 litres per square metre over 25 days out of 30.
Jean-Paul Lickes, director of the Water Management Authority, understands that people are fed up with the rain, but it’s not all doom and gloom: “For drinking water supplies it’s very positive, we currently have a well-filled reservoir, which in turn makes us optimistic for the summer. Our groundwater reserves, could also partly replenish after three dry summers. This is also very good for the flow of our water sources.”
However, that much water also has negative consequences, especially for agriculture.
Farmers cannot work on their fields. Additionally, it is forbidden to spread manure between mid-November and mid-February. This needs to be reconsidered as it affects the timely planting of spring crops like oats or summer wheat. Additionally, now is also the right time to sow vegetables and potatoes.
At the moment, there is also also an issue with the maintenance of green spaces.
Cattle need to be moved to pastures. However, as plants and overall vegetation are blooming three weeks early, there’s a risk that the animals may trample the soil and grass, leaving them barren.
Christian Wester, President of the Farmers’ Association, views the situation philosophically: “It’s the same with everything: too much or too little of it is not good, you have to have balance. And this is also true for agriculture.”
