PL
Drought is one of the most serious environmental challenges we currently face in Poland and worldwide. Experts in hydrology, climatology, agriculture, and water management agree – the problem is growing and it is long-term. Increasingly frequent and prolonged periods without rainfall, rising temperatures, and climate change are leading to lower groundwater levels, drying up of rivers and lakes, and deteriorating conditions for agriculture and ecosystems.
Tag Archives: water retention
20
Feb
Feb
The Winter Olympics celebrate the beauty of winter. Snow- and ice-covered surfaces allow us to enjoy many sports that are otherwise unavailable in summer, with its high temperatures. Unfortunately, these landscapes are most vulnerable to the dramatic effects of climate change. For years, many winter sports have struggled with a lack of snow, and it has become commonplace to see snow lying only on the ski slope or ski jump, while the surrounding area lacks snow. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, irregular snowfall, and increasing water shortages are rapidly transforming ecosystems worldwide. In this context, the Winter Olympics can no longer be viewed solely as a sporting event; they are becoming an important arena for environmental responsibility and climate action.
09
Feb
Feb
Traditionally, World Wetlands Day is celebrated worldwide on February 2nd. This international holiday was established to highlight the crucial role of wetlands in the functioning of ecosystems and the protection of water resources. This date commemorates the signing in 1971 of the Ramsar Convention – one of the oldest global environmental agreements aimed at protecting wetlands of international importance.
09
Dec
Dec
Soil plays an invaluable role in nature. It provides space for plants to grow, stores water, filters pollutants, and supports countless biological processes. It is the foundation of our food security, the key to a stable water cycle, and a natural barrier protecting ecosystems from degradation. However, we don’t always remember this.
21
Oct
Oct
We usually associate drought with summer – with parched lawns, wilting plants, and the need for frequent watering. However, we must remember that the problem of soil water deficiency affects all seasons. Although autumn is often perceived as a time of frequent rains and a respite from gardening, it is actually a crucial time to prepare the garden and farm for the coming season. Now is the time to take steps to better retain water, store it, and improve plant health in the coming months.
07
Oct
Oct
The summer of 2025 was a particularly contrasting period in Poland in terms of water balance. Although the water balance indicator itself is complex and takes into account both inflows (including atmospheric precipitation, surface and groundwater recharge) and losses (evaporation, plant transpiration, surface runoff), in practice its development depends primarily on precipitation and air temperature, which influences the intensity of evapotranspiration (including evaporation from soil surfaces and water bodies, as well as plant transpiration).
29
Sep
Sep
September is not only the beginning of the school year, but also an ideal opportunity to reconsider the challenges facing each of us. The beginning of 2025 was very dry – many regions of Poland experienced a lack of rain, rivers and lakes reached record lows, and farmers and gardeners struggled with water shortages. Such phenomena have become increasingly frequent in recent years, and forecasts indicate that drought could be one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
03
Sep
Sep
This year’s harvest has concluded. It’s a good time to review current practices and consider what we can do to improve soil health, increase drought resistance, and manage water more sustainably, as well as how to prepare for the next harvest. We discuss this with Patryk Kokociński, a farmer who irrigates his fields naturally, utilizing landscape retention water. Thanks to his efforts, the “Życie na Pola!” Association for the Protection of Mid-Field Landscape was also established.
26
Aug
Aug
A few hours of rain are enough for lawns to turn green and flowers to bloom. For this reason, many people believe that drought is an easily reversible problem, and that a week of heavy rain is enough to stave off a prolonged drought. However, hydrology isn’t so simple. Drought is a complex, multi-stage, and often hidden phenomenon, and its reversal depends not solely on the previous week’s weather. Short-term rainfall isn’t enough to address the consequences of drought. But what does effective “irrigation” actually look like?
Aktualności
Drought Vademecum – A Conscious Citizen’s Essential Guide!Key Terms on Drought and Retention, Part 1
07
Apr
Apr
One of the main goals of the “Stop Drought! Start Retention!” project is an educational campaign. We aim to raise awareness about the threat of drought, its causes, and ways to mitigate its effects.
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