Drought in the Podravje region catastrophic

In the Maribor region the most badly affected crop is corn for both grain and silage, followed by oil pumpkins and late potatoes. The cultivation of vegetables has also been hit badly and most problems are reflected in cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, edible bulbs and beans.Damage is also visible in the apple orchards where the fruits are small, underdeveloped and scorched. The Agriculture and Forestry Institute in Maribor observed an average of 30 percent yield loss in apple orchards with anti-hail nets. The effects of this year’s drought can be seen mainly in orchards planted on light soils and in plots with greater slopes and high terraces.Drought stress will be particularly noticeable on the region’s livestock farms, as there will be a lack of quality animal feed. The Maribor institute also says the drought has also affected the buckwheat crop which will later also reflect in beekeeping.Permanent crops, particularly vines in the area of Haloze, have been forced to ripen – bunches of grapes remain small, which will reduce crop yields.