Skopje, 15 April 2024 (MIA) - The above-average temperatures in the country are not favorable for agriculture. Agrometeoroligsts say the hot weather, unusual for this time of year, can accelerate the development of crops but also disrupt the water balance, which can then lead to a water deficit and cause crops to dry out.  

According to agrometeorologists, the high temperatures increase transpiration, leading to increased water consumption.

“The hot weather at this time of year is unusual and unfavorable for agriculture. Above-average air temperatures that are not typical for this period were registered the past week. The rise of air temperature can accelerate the development of crops and the phenological stages. The high temperatures increase transpiration and evapotranspiration which leads to increased water consumption. Plants lose more water through transpiration than the amount their roots can absorb from the soil. This can cause a disruption of the plant’s water balance, i.e., the appearance of water deficit and drought,” agrometeorologists say.

They advise farmers to focus greater attention on irrigation and to continue practicing other agrotechnical measures. 

Photo: MIA Archive