A drought has persisted over a large part of the country's territory for a long time.
The Latvian Centre for Agricultural Consultations and Education (LCCAE) notes that if there is insufficient precipitation in May, it will create serious problems for farmers and orchard owners.
For example, at the organic farm "Kraste" in the Brankas region of Jelgava, garden work is being carried out with greater caution this spring. Fruit trees are waking up, but not uniformly everywhere. The farm grows apple trees, cherry trees, and quince, and it is in the light, sandy soil that the lack of moisture is felt the most.
"Here the soil is very sandy, and at some point, when it completely dries out, it seems to repel moisture. It is visually noticeable that the plants are having a harder time waking up; it is becoming increasingly difficult to start spring vegetation because there is not enough water," said the farm owner Andis Kursitis.
Farmers, peasants, and owners of summer cottages should also consider solutions to this situation these days, he noted.
"Perhaps we need to prune the trees a bit more than I would in another spring. On the one hand, spring pruning stimulates growth. I don't really need that, but in this case, to reduce moisture consumption, it might be worth pruning more."
Experts note that this situation arises from a combination of factors: dry gusty winds, rapid warming of the air, which causes moisture to evaporate quickly, plus there has not been sufficient precipitation lately.
"In more open areas of the garden, it is observed that the prevailing northeast winds have dried out and damaged the buds of the fruit trees. As a result, if there is a lack of moisture in the spring, the tree cannot fully recover from winter and develop as needed for a potentially good harvest," explained LCCAE plant cultivation consultant Kristine Beketova.
Experts pointed out one of the most important measures that should currently be taken in gardens - loosening the soil.
"I think there is no reason to rush and water the fruit trees and berry bushes. Rather, it is necessary to loosen the top layer of soil, the root circles. Mulch to retain moisture in the soil and ensure growth. Now is the most suitable time for this," explained leading researcher at the Institute of Horticulture Edgars Rubauskis.
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