Severe Drought Threatens German Agriculture as Farmers Struggle for Harvests

Germany is facing an alarming drought, with precipitation levels plummeting since February 2025. The lack of rainfall has left agricultural lands parched, prompting farmers, particularly in Brandenburg, to sound the alarm as their crops face dire conditions.

As the country moves deeper into spring, forecasts suggest that this season could be the driest recorded since weather observations began in 1881. The situation is particularly acute in northeastern Germany, where soil moisture levels have significantly declined, putting essential crops at risk.

According to the drought monitor from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, many regions in northern Germany are already experiencing drought conditions, affecting both the topsoil and deeper layers of soil. The problem is exacerbated in the east, where the area affected by drought is expanding.

Data from the German Weather Service indicates that soil moisture in vast areas is markedly below average, with declines of up to ten percent in usable soil capacity reported in many regions. By late April, it was evident that Germany was experiencing its most severe spring drought since 1931.

The most affected areas stretch north of a line running from North Westphalia through the Harz Mountains to the Berlin metropolitan area, as well as regions from Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate across South Thuringia, Franconia, and the Upper Palatinate. In contrast, slightly above-average moisture levels have been recorded in parts of northern Hesse, southern Saxony-Anhalt, and around Leipzig.

Brandenburg is particularly struggling, with farmers expressing deep concern. The president of the Brandenburg Farmers' Association highlighted the critical need for substantial rain in the coming weeks, noting that the region has been nearly rain-free for weeks. Major crops like corn, sunflowers, oats, and legumes, which have just been sown, require moisture for germination. The inconsistency in soil moisture levels leads to uneven plant growth, with some areas thriving while others remain barren.

The young plants face the risk of desiccation if they do not receive adequate water for continued growth, a scenario that is unfortunately common for Brandenburg's sandy soils. Factors such as cooler nights may provide some relief by slowing plant growth, but the overall situation remains precarious.

Options for irrigation are limited, with only about one percent of the arable land in Brandenburg having access to irrigation systems. The process of obtaining irrigation permits is arduous, and competition for water resources is intensifying. Despite advancements in farming techniques aimed at conserving water, farmers find themselves at a crossroads.

For May to have a positive impact, at least one or two significant rain events are necessary. Historical wisdom suggests that a cool and rainy May could lead to fruitful harvests. However, recent weather models indicate a potential shift in atmospheric conditions, raising hopes for rain, but the extent of this potential remains uncertain.

Regardless, experts caution that even one or two substantial rain showers will likely not suffice to counteract the effects of the prolonged dryness seen over the past 14 months. With high sun positions leading to increased evaporation rates, the necessity for consistent, evenly distributed rainfall over an extended period is clear.