Strawberry harvest in Bautzen is shrinking to its lowest level in 20 years!

Strawberry harvest in Bautzen is shrinking to its lowest level in 20 years!

The strawberry season in the Bautzen district is coming to an end, and the mood among farmers could hardly be more mixed. Martin Wahode from Rothnaußlitz makes a devastating verdict: He speaks of the “worst harvest in 20 years”. The decline is particularly noticeable compared to the previous year, when the harvest was even more satisfactory. Only about half of the strawberries that were available in 2023 were harvested this year. Frost and cold nights severely affected fruit growth, while the heat and many sunny days were less of a problem. However, Wahode is lucky that the taste of his strawberries is very good and sweet despite the adverse conditions.

The season stretched from the beginning to the end of June. While Wahode is already preparing for the future by irrigating and fertilizing his field, he has the method of irrigation in mind. This technique protects strawberries from frost by releasing heat from frozen water. This gives many farmers a sigh of relief who still face the major challenges of the weather. Matthias Domanja from Oberkaina reported sunburn and smaller fruits. He also mulches and fertilizes his strawberry field to create more stability for the next season.

Frost and drought are constant companions

Strawberries can currently still be picked at the Kaschwitz estate in Putzkau. Boss Christian Bock didn't have an easy time of it this season. He struggled with the challenges of frost and drought at the start of the harvest season - and still achieved overall satisfactory results. Although some of the fruits lacked the perfect shape, these hurdles don't seem to have discouraged him. Bock plans to grow varieties with strong foliage in the future in order to better arm his protégés against the elements. In comparison, Edmund Kubitz from Hoyerswerda reports a good harvest that suffered less frost damage than the previous year.

An additional focus of strawberries is the issue of frost protection. Especially in the spring, strawberries are particularly susceptible to frost damage, which can be caused by sudden spring frost during the flowering period. Temperatures below -2 °C are fatal for the flowers, so protective measures are important. As various experts report, dense clusters of strawberry blossoms can withstand temperatures as low as -6°C, while the fruit itself survives heat and drought better when well-watered. Before the last frost-free date, protection strategies are essential to save the sensitive plants, for example through mulching with straw or special irrigation techniques.

The use of water in agriculture

In Germany, farmers are increasingly concerned with the question of water. Sausages and vegetables don't grow out of thin air, and only 3.1 percent of agricultural land is irrigated. Despite the fact that Germany is considered a water-rich country, the long-term potential water supply has decreased. The risks from drought and other extreme weather events represent an ongoing challenge, with water use in agriculture accounting for only a minimal proportion of total consumption. The use of water in agriculture only accounts for 0.25 percent of the long-term supply.

It is clear that the strawberry season in the Bautzen district was marked by several adversities this year. But the farmers are showing resilience and are setting the course for a hopefully better harvest next year!