The director of the Agricultural Expert Service of Subotica, Damir Varga, stated that the harvest of winter crops was carried out successfully despite the spring drought. However, due to long-lasting heat waves and high temperatures in the Subotica atar, corn yields are expected to be lower. Varga emphasizes that it is necessary to think about future agricultural crops due to increasingly frequent tropical waves. Maize is a heat-loving crop, while sunflower, thanks to its deep roots and anatomical structure, tolerates drought and heat well. However, current weather conditions are challenging even these hardier crops.
On the territory of the city of Subotica, only 10-20 liters of rain fell, which affects the expected corn yield, which will be between five and six tons per hectare. In places like Đurđin, where 50 liters of rain fell, the situation is somewhat better. Maize from late sowing, which is done in late April and early May, is likely to have a very low yield due to unfavorable weather conditions. Varga hopes that the announced cooling and precipitation this weekend will improve the situation.
Due to the tropical heat, Varga predicts a decrease in the area under corn in the Subotica region in the coming years. The transition to winter crops, such as wheat, barley and canola, is becoming more and more certain, although a drastic drop in canola yields was recorded this year. The price of sunflower is also low due to the monopoly of oil producers. Corn needs 100 liters of rain in June, 90 liters in July, and 90 liters in August. In the Subotica region, there were about 50-60 liters of rain in June, while only 7-20 liters fell in July. A new tropical wave is expected in August, which will further complicate the situation.
How to save corn?
Varga also pointed out the presence of the second generation corn borer and cotton bollworm, which can further reduce the yield and quality of corn due to additional plant damage. Irrigation is another problem, because irrigation systems are expensive, and the existing canal network is not used enough. Irrigation from wells is used only for vegetable and fruit crops, while irrigation from underground water from a depth of 120-200 meters poses a risk for drinking water.
The problem of irrigation is complicated by the high costs of irrigation systems and the unused canal network. The use of groundwater for irrigation, located at depths of 120-200 meters, carries the risk of depleting drinking water resources. This situation represents a serious challenge for farmers in the region, as they face the need to adapt to climate change and reduce the risk of drought and tropical waves.
In conclusion, Varga warns that the tropical heat will continue to negatively affect agricultural production in the Subotica region, especially the corn yield. It is necessary to think about future strategies and switching to crops that tolerate drought better. Also, the problem of irrigation should be solved in order to ensure adequate conditions for agricultural production in the future. Varga calls for urgent measures and adjustment of production strategies in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on agriculture.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com