While parts of Europe are only beginning to feel the heat, Lower Saxony is already facing serious consequences from a dry spring. In districts like Emsland, Celle, Gifhorn, and Braunschweig, farmers report parched soils, reduced crop density, and irrigation systems running non-stop.
“Without irrigation, we would already be seeing yield losses,” says Carsten Drewes, a farmer from Celle. His family farm has five irrigation systems operating since early April – unusually early.
In Gifhorn and Oldenburg, cereal crops are shedding leaves, pastures are stressed, and the first hay cuts are sparse. Without significant rain in the next 10 days, harvest losses are expected.
Even relatively moist regions like Wesermarsch are starting to dry out. “If this continues into June, we’ll be in trouble,” warns agronomist Dr. Karsten Padeken.
With rainfall far below seasonal norms across Germany and concerns over water use restrictions due to drinking water priorities, the situation is becoming critical.
Why should the Alpine region care?
Because if Germany – with one of the most advanced agricultural systems in Europe – is struggling in May, Alpine regions may face even harsher conditions. Snowmelt arrives earlier and vanishes quicker, often bypassing the soil and feeding rivers instead.
This is not just a local crisis. It is a continental alarm.
