Extreme drought is severely affecting Belgian agriculture, with farmers facing challenges in growing fine-seeded vegetables. On 2025-05-09 15:05:00, Stephanie Delbeke from the Boerenbond highlighted the urgent need for irrigation to support crops like spinach, onions, and carrots that have already been sown.
- Extreme drought impacts agriculture, warns Boerenbond.
- Fine-seeded vegetables need watering to germinate.
- Irrigation prevents soil drying around plants.
- Some growers delay sowing until rain.
- Delaying sowing is possible but limited.
- Prolonged dry spells threaten planting season.
These vegetables require consistent watering to germinate and thrive. Even newly planted crops depend on irrigation to keep the soil around the young plants from drying out. But what happens when the drought persists? How long can farmers delay sowing without risking their harvests?
Some vegetable growers are postponing sowing until rainfall returns, as the planting season has just begun. However, extended dry spells could jeopardize the entire season if water shortages continue.
What does this mean for Belgium’s food production? The drought forces farmers to make tough decisions about irrigation and timing. Key points to consider include:
- Fine-seeded vegetables require immediate watering to germinate successfully.
- Delaying sowing is possible but risky if dry conditions last weeks.
- Irrigation is essential to prevent soil from drying around young plants.
- Prolonged drought could reduce crop yields and impact local supply.
Looking ahead, will Belgium see timely rainfall to save this season’s crops? Farmers and policymakers must work together to address water scarcity and safeguard the nation’s agricultural future.
