Did you know?
- When trees don’t get enough water through the fall, they go into winter in a stressed state and are more vulnerable to pests, disease, and wildfire. A dry watershed doesn't just raise fire risk today, it weakens the forest’s ability to recover tomorrow.
- When drought hits in late summer and fall, like it has in recent years, it can reduce the size, quality, and shelf life of local crops like apples, berries, and vegetables. Less water at harvest time means smaller yields and higher risks for farmers.
- Fall drought doesn’t just dry out fields. it can also stresses fruit trees and vines, leading to weaker crops the following year. Water shortages today ripple into our future food supply.
Drought & crops
| Statement | Source Link |
|---|---|
| Trees vulnerable to pests & wildfire | https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-forests |
| Impact on fruit crops | https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2016/6/The-Dangers-of-Drought-on-Fruit-Crops/ |
| Apple tree stress report | https://u.osu.edu/fruitpathology/files/2024/08/OFN_JULY_2024-FINAL-1.pdf |
| Postharvest effect on next-year yield | https://www.lawr.ucdavis.edu/managing-irrigation-fruit-and-nut-trees-during-drought |