The September flood severely impacted the agricultural sector, causing extensive damage to arable land and permanent grasslands. The consequences of this catastrophe can significantly affect future crops, soil quality, and the overall condition of farms. Restoring the land requires immediate actions, including removing sediments brought by the water, using appropriate mechanical cultivation methods, and adjusting fertilization to the changed soil conditions. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MRiRW) has published detailed recommendations.
First steps after the flood
Once the floodwaters recede, one of the most important tasks is a thorough assessment of the land’s condition. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of sediments, silts, and any debris carried by the water. If there is any suspicion that the soil has been contaminated with chemicals, this should be reported immediately to the local Agricultural Advisory Center (ODR).
Priority actions
The priority on damaged arable land is to drain any standing water from low-lying areas, which will accelerate the drying process of the soil. Any holes and irregularities in the fields should be leveled, and contaminants such as branches and debris should be removed. Once the soil reaches an appropriate moisture level, mechanical cultivation can begin to restore its proper structure. The ministry recommends plowing or cultivating at a depth of 15 to 30 cm, which allows for soil aeration and halts denitrification processes.
For fields where crops have not yet been harvested, the first step should be to conduct the harvest, followed by plowing the field. Special attention should be given to crops such as corn, potatoes, beets, and other root vegetables. After harvesting, these crops should be disposed of. On fields where soybeans remain unharvested, plowing should also be carried out, provided the terrain allows the entry of agricultural machinery.
If winter crops, including rapeseed, have been destroyed by the flood, replanting winter or spring cereals after plowing may be considered. The ministry warns that crops from flooded areas should not be used for human or animal consumption due to the risk of contamination, such as with mycotoxins. Instead, their disposal in biogas plants is recommended.
Soil contamination and health risks
Flooding can lead to contamination of soil and groundwater, especially if the water flowed through landfills or wastewater treatment plants. According to MRiRW recommendations, areas suspected of significant local contamination should be marked, and soil samples should be collected from these areas. Soil samples should be taken by qualified personnel, such as from Regional Chemical-Agricultural Stations, ODR, or the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG-PIB) in Wrocław. If pathogenic microorganisms are suspected, the samples should be immediately forwarded to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station for specialized laboratory testing.
Fertilization and cultivation recommendations
After the flood, it is particularly important to adjust fertilization to the new soil conditions. In the case of soil acidification, the use of calcium fertilizers in doses of 1.5 to 3 tons per hectare is recommended, depending on the level of acidification and soil type. Liming should be carried out before plowing or cultivation to ensure even distribution of calcium in the soil. For areas with excessive alkalization, elemental sulfur can be applied in quantities of 200-300 kg/ha to quickly lower the pH to an optimal level.
Additionally, during mechanical cultivation, especially on heavier soils, subsoilers or plows with adjustable depth should be used, which will help aerate the soil and prevent further deterioration of its structure. It is also worth considering the use of machinery equipped with wide, low-pressure tires, which will minimize pressure on the ground and protect the soil from compaction. These technologies will allow for faster restoration of the soil’s usability and minimize future crop losses.
Restoration of permanent grasslands
The scope of work on permanent grasslands after the flood depends on the extent of flooding in these areas. On pastures located in higher areas, grazing can be resumed after about three weeks, provided the soil has not been contaminated. However, on areas where water stagnated for a long time, grazing this year is not recommended. If permanent grasslands were flooded, renovation may be necessary, such as overseeding with appropriate seed mixtures.
For meadows, after the area has dried, mowing is recommended. The collected grass should be sent to biogas plants. In areas where the flood sediment is thin, harrowing and overseeding will suffice. However, if the sediment is thicker, deeper cultivation and a higher seed sowing rate may be necessary to restore the grasslands to their pre-flood condition.