After a year of record droughts, Germany's meteorological office sets up early warning system

By Jennifer Collins

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Some 8,000 farmers were forced to apply for emergency aid due to a record dry period between April and November. Just 60 percent of the usual yearly precipitation fell over the whole year, according to new figures from Germany's National Meteorological Office (DWD).

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That's why Germany's meteorological office has developed a new long-term prognosis tool that would forecast soil moisture six weeks in advance to warn farmers of potential droughts.

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[Paul Becker, vice president of Germany's meteorological office,] believes the tool would have foretold the 2018 drought and says it will help farmers prepare weeks in advance of a drought by adjusting fertilizer and water use.

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Huge adaptation measures are required if Germany wants to ensure food security well into the future. [Eberhard Hartelt, president of the farmers and vintners association,] says the industry needs to look at different varieties of fruit and grains that are drought-resistant and ensure that farming is gentle on soil and careful when it comes to water use. Developing better watering and water storage systems are a must, he added.

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