Local Farmer Raises Concerns about Plumbing Crop Growth due to Lack of Rain
In an alarming revelation, a local farmer from Mayhew, Mississippi has expressed his worries about how the lack of sufficient rainfall is adversely affecting crop growth. Describing this year’s farming environment as being ‘tough’, the farmer shared that his farm has only received an inch and a half of rainfall in the past 26 days. While this year has not been the worst he’s witnessed, he hoped for more rain to ensure healthy crop growth.
A Challenging Season
Melvin Ellis, the owner of Mayhew Tomato Farm, ranked the current farming climate at seven or eight on a scale of severity. He remarked, “The season in general has been tough.” He stressed the importance of sufficient rainfall and warm temperatures in spring for crop development. According to Ellis, when conditions are hot and dry, plants exhaust their energy in remaining alive, consequently yielding less produce during the summer harvest.
The Severe Impact of Dry Weather
“Hot temperatures aren’t near as debilitating as the lack of rainfall. Lack of rainfall in those conditions means the fruit can’t develop as it normally should,” Ellis stated. Despite the harsh conditions, Ellis diligently waters his non-row crop plants, such as peas, on a daily basis. Peas are known to be more drought-resistant compared to tomatoes, squash, eggplants, and melons, which require a consistent rainfall pattern for healthy and productive growth.
Effective Measures in Case of High Rainfall Post Drought
Ellis highlighted that sudden, heavy rainfall following a dry spell can often lead to fruit swelling and damage due to the plant tissues’ abrupt exposure to excessive moisture. He stressed that crops require consistent water patterns rather than sporadic irrigation. He commented, “For us, it’s just a matter of surviving the hot weather, and hoping we get some of those weather fronts that drop water on us every 7-10 days.”
Hope for the coming month
With August approaching, Ellis anticipates more gulf events that may result in increased air and moisture movement, leading to much-needed rainfall. The lack of adequate rain remains a significant challenge for farmers, who must now adapt to increasing fluctuations in weather patterns and conditions to secure their crops and livelihoods.
Featured, Local Farming
Tags: featured, local, mayhew, mayhew-tomato-farm, drought, rainfall, crop growth
