Drought can stunt the growth of crops , resulting in a decline in the size and quality of produce. Consumers may expect to see higher prices for local food as farmers cope with lower yields and higher expenses. Limited water availability for washing produce may lead to sanitation and health issues for consumers.
What crops are being affected by the drought?
The drought affected the production of livestock and field crops such as wheat, corn, and soybean production in the Great Plains and Midwest and accounted for $14.5 billion in loss payments by the federal crop insurance program.
How do droughts impact plants?
Without adequate water, biological processes, such as photosynthesis, are greatly reduced. Reduced photosynthesis means reduced plant growth, including root growth. ... Besides the direct effects of drought, a plant under stress becomes more susceptible to insect and disease problems that can attack a weakened plant.
What are 5 causes of drought?
- 1) Land and water temperatures cause drought. ...
- 2) Air circulation and weather patterns also cause drought. ...
- 3) Soil moisture levels also contribute to drought. ...
- 4) Drought can also be a supply and demand of water issue.
What is the impact of droughts?
Drought can also cause long-term public health problems, including: Shortages of drinking water and poor quality drinking water . Impacts on air quality, sanitation and hygiene, and food and nutrition. More disease, such as West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water.
What is the main cause of drought?
Droughts are caused by low precipitation over an extended period of time . Atmospheric conditions such as climate change, ocean temperatures, changes in the jet stream, and changes in the local landscape are all factors that contribute to drought.
How can we prevent droughts?
- Check your well pump periodically. ...
- Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees, or small plants. ...
- Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use, such as micro and drip irrigation, and soaker hoses.
- Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
What are the causes and effects of droughts?
The soil starts drying out and plants die . When this pattern continues for several weeks, months or years, the flow of streams and rivers decreases and water levels in lakes, reservoirs and wells fall. Eventually, the unusual dry weather causes water supply issues, and the dry period becomes a drought.
What are the causes and consequences of droughts and desertification?
The resultant effects of drought are exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation , overgrazing and poor cropping methods, which reduce water retention of the soil, and improper soil conservation techniques, which lead to soil degradation.
What is the impact of drought on economy?
Examples of economic impacts include farmers who lose money because drought destroyed their crops or ranchers who may have to spend more money to feed and water their animals. Economic impacts can be both direct, such as decreases in dairy production, and indirect, as seen by increases in the price of cheese.
What are the long-term effects of drought?
In long-term drought, native plants may die back, allowing for the intrusion of invasive plant species. Invasive plants may further disrupt the balance of an ecosystem, which can cause further conversion of vegetation, increase wildfire risk, and lead to desertification.
What time of year does a drought occur?
Even if the total amount of rainfall for a year is about average, rainfall shortages can occur during a period when moisture is critically needed for plant growth, such as in the early summer . When little or no rain falls, soils can dry out and plants can die.
Does climate change cause drought?
However, regional climate isn’t the only culprit in drought activity. Climate change, namely rising average temperatures driven by human-generated emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases , is contributing to droughts, too.
Do and don’ts during drought?
Do Store water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run for cool water. Don’t Use the toilet as a waste basket for tissues, Band-Aids, etc. Do Remove weeds from your lawn regularly. ... Do Collect water used to rinse fruit or vegetables, and use it to water plants.
What are two ways to reduce the effects of droughts?
Mulching – Covering bare soil with wood chips, straw or other plants material can help to hold the soil in place. Conservation Crop Rotation – Switching to crops that require less water can allow a field to remain productive and provide erosion protection. Minimize the effects of drought on your irrigated cropland.
