RECENT rains, which have been gratefully received in other areas, have been harmful to cereal, olive and chickpea crops in the Ronda area. The approximately 40 litres per square metre which fell in the area during the last two weeks of May, have done more harm than good, as they fell too late.
The rain can cause dampness in the almost totally developed cereals, meaning that when they are warmed by the sun, fungus develops and rots the plant. In the case of olive crops, the rain knocks the flowers off the trees, which can mean a dramatic fall in produce. Chickpeas have also been affected as they are at a critical point of their development and the pods in which they grow can rot with the damp.
On the other hand, the rains have been good for cattle farmers and meant the surrounding areas are well-supplied with fodder for animals. Sunflower crops also benefit from rains at this time of year, which help them make it through the summer. |
