Critical Moisture Deficit in Six Regions of Ukraine: Consequences and Challenges

Critical Moisture Deficit in Six Regions of Ukraine: Consequences and Challenges

A serious moisture deficit is observed in Ukraine, which has already been manifested in six regions of the country. The situation with water resources in these regions is critical, as drought and unsatisfactory weather conditions significantly reduce the level of soil moisture. This, in turn, seriously affects agricultural production, water supply and ecosystems in general.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, since the beginning of the year the greatest problems with moisture have been observed in the southern and central regions, such as Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia and Cherkasy regions. These regions have been experiencing significant deviations from the norm in terms of precipitation, which leads to a decrease in the water level in rivers and reservoirs.

The reason for such anomalies is not only short-term weather changes, but also long-term climate changes, which affect the rhythm and distribution of precipitation across the territory of Ukraine. Prolonged drought leads to a decrease in the level of groundwater, which complicates agricultural production, especially in regions where a significant part of the land is used for growing grain and industrial crops.

Analysis of weather conditions shows that in the mentioned regions over the past few years there has been a constant trend towards a decrease in the amount of rainfall, which in turn leads to a decrease in yields. Grain crops such as wheat, corn and sunflower suffer the most from moisture deficiency. According to the Association of Agricultural Producers, in some areas the yield of these crops has decreased by 20-30% compared to previous years.

Water, as the main resource for irrigation, is becoming increasingly scarce in regions where large-scale irrigation systems are traditionally used. However, due to the decrease in the volume of water in rivers and reservoirs, these systems cannot provide the necessary level of moisture for agricultural enterprises. Additionally, large reservoirs that previously served as the main source of water for agriculture are also suffering from low water levels, which could lead to an increase in the food crisis.

Other consequences of moisture shortages include the deterioration of ecosystems, in particular forests and natural water resources. Many water bodies are already on the verge of ecological disaster due to the decline in water levels, which negatively affects biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The remaining water resources are increasingly used for irrigation and drinking water supply, which creates additional pressure on natural sources.

To solve this problem, a comprehensive water resources management strategy is needed, which includes both the modernization of irrigation systems and the introduction of technologies for water conservation. It is also important to develop water resources monitoring systems, which will allow for a timely response to changes in the hydrological situation. The Government of Ukraine and local authorities should work more actively to ensure sustainable water use and reduce the negative impact of climate change on the country's water resources.