Online Reporter
Agriculture News Editor
ZIMBABWE is expected to experience increased daytime temperatures with potential dry conditions or moisture deficit from today until next Thursday.
Agriculture experts advised farmers not to despair, but take advantage of the break in rains to perform critical farming operations, such as weed and pest control and planting other short-season crops.
In an advisory, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said the dry and hot conditions would be experienced countrywide.
“Prevailing south-easterly winds, carrying cool and moist air, are suppressing thunderstorm activity by displacing the main northwards. Nonetheless, periods of light rain and drizzle are anticipated for localised areas of Matabeleland South, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces from Saturday, January 31, through Sunday, February 1.
“Beginning Monday, February 2, and continuing for the remainder of the advisory period, the weather pattern is expected to shift,” said the advisory.
Most parts of the country will experience generally partly cloudy and hot conditions.
“However, there remains a slight chance of isolated, brief cloudy periods with light showers in a few places. Daily updates will be disseminated via all official media channels.
“The public is strongly advised to take precautionary measures as directed by the Department of Civil Protection,” said the MSD.
Agriculture expert, Mr Ivan Craig, said the dry weather conditions were good for crops.
“Agronomically, having continuous rains is not good for the crop because they also need sunlight for their photosynthesis to take place. Photosynthesis is the factory of a plant to manufacture food, which feeds the crop to get high yields.
“The dry conditions do not mean the rains have disappeared forever, but at least they are allowing a farmer to carry out other operations, such as weeding and top dressing application. Many farmers have not had the chance to weed their crops.
“When the weather conditions are favourable for the growth of the plants, the weeds will also propagate. Some weeds, such as nutsedge, can regrow. We need to be very appreciative of the dry weather conditions, which are needed in the vegetative growth of crops, “he said.
Mr Craig also said the dry and hot conditions destroy the lifecycle of fungus, especially on soyabeans and maize.
“The dry spell will also give a chance to plant, for instance, sugar beans and sweet potatoes. Farmers can also plant short-season varieties of sunflowers and cowpeas for livestock feed.
“Our crops will not suffer much stress because this is the time to deepen roots in search of moisture and nutrients. Every evening the moisture in the soil will rise above, the morning dew will provide enough moisture for our crops to survive until we receive the next rains,” he said.
Mr Craig said the country usually experienced mid-season dry spells during this period.
“This dry spell is short, but it is important and good for the whole ecosystem. Let us not despair, the crops will not be destroyed by the break in rains,” he said.
The public has been advised to water or irrigate crops when heat stress is noted or as recommended by local AGRITEX/ARDAS offices.
“Ensure animals have adequate drinking water. Keep hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water and protect yourself from direct sunshine,” said the MSD.
