Europe’s Rising Vapour Pressure Deficit and South Africa’s Macadamia Industry
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Simultaneously, the burgeoning macadamia nut industry in South Africa is presenting its own set of ecological challenges.
Europe’s Climate Crisis: ‘Vapour Pressure Deficit’
The study reveals a significant increase in the ‘vapour pressure deficit’ (VPD) in Europe during the 21st century.
This phenomenon occurs when hot, dry air extracts moisture from plants and soil, leading to poor crop yields, dry vegetation, and an elevated risk of wildfires.
The rise in greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuels exacerbates this problem, intensifying the frequency and severity of VPD.
Macadamia factory success is testament to what collaboration can achieve
The research indicates that VPD has become particularly problematic in the central European lowlands, the Alps, and the Pyrenees.
The years 2003, 2015, and 2018 were notably harsh. While northern Europe has been less affected thanks to its cooler air, which has a diminished capacity for water absorption, researchers predict that the issue will intensify over time. The study suggests that considerable irrigation is the only solution to support crop growth under these challenging conditions.
Macadamia factory success is testament to what collaboration can achieveSouth Africa’s Macadamia Nut Industry: A Double-Edged Sword
In South Africa, the expansion of the macadamia nut industry is creating significant farming challenges.
These include habitat and biodiversity loss, excessive insecticide use, and increased pressure on water resources. Projections indicate more frequent and severe droughts and heatwaves, which will likely worsen these issues and have already negatively affected harvests.
The macadamia nut industry is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.8% from 2020 to 2025. South Africa leads in macadamia nut production, followed by Kenya and Australia.
However, the expansion of macadamia orchards leads to farming and landscape management challenges.
These include monocultures, excessive insecticide use, and habitat loss, which negatively impact natural enemies of crop pests and vital pollinators.
The primary macadamia cultivation area in Limpopo requires supplementary irrigation for optimal yields, further straining the province’s limited water resources.
