Sub-zero temperatures and heavy precipitation have been detrimental to crops, with potatoes left unharvested in January considered lost. Wijnand Sukkel of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) notes that farmers face increasingly extreme weather, and WUR is exploring solutions like lighter farming machinery and breeding weather-resilient crop varieties.
Climate change-induced extreme weather events such as drought, heatwaves, heavy summer rains, and wet winters have saturated soils to the point of being unable to support harvesting equipment or prepare for sowing. An estimated 5-10% of potato, carrot, and sugar beet harvests remain in the ground.
Research is being done into potential solutions, such as fixed tracks on farms and lighter machinery with caterpillar treads to prevent soil compaction. He also suggests early-harvesting potato varieties, but notes that the processing industry and water authorities need to cooperate for effective water management.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
