Estonia's cucumber cultivation encounters challenges this season due to increased rainfall and nighttime frosts. Expectations for favorable yields across various crops remain low.
The summer's weather conditions, while maintaining stable temperatures, contribute to agricultural difficulties. Cucumbers face the greatest impact from the excessive moisture.
Ilona Jaanikesing of Kenaste Farm expressed concern, particularly for small-scale gardeners, stating that their harvest is anticipated to be limited. "It will not be a cucumber year for them, nor a potato year. Overall, it's going to be a very, very poor year," said Jaanikesing.
Even crops that typically thrive in wetter conditions, including cabbage, peas, and beans, are not immune to the adverse effects this year.
According to Priit Põldma, a horticulture lecturer at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the primary issue for cucumber development is excessive rainfall resulting in reduced soil oxygen levels, which hinder plant growth.
"A plant does not want to grow with its roots underwater. There must be enough oxygen in the soil for plants to grow properly," explained Põldma.
Põldma further noted that cucumbers require warmer conditions and better-aerated soil. "The nights have still been relatively cool. Ideally, cucumbers would like nighttime temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius," the lecturer stated.
Source: News ERR
