WA farmers brace for summer drought on heels of harvest shortfalls

Andy Juris, a dryland wheat and alfalfa grower in Bickleton, in Klickitat County, knows precisely how much fertilizer to put on different areas of his farm.

Juris needs to ensure he uses the right amount of fertilizer. Too much can damage the plant, but not enough may prevent full development.

But Juris says the proper use of fertilizers also ensures optimal use of water, which can be more limited in drought years.

Last week, the Washington Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency for most of the state, aiming to help everyone from farmers to local irrigation districts better prepare for drought in the coming months.

https://crosscut.com/environment/2024/04/wa-farmers-brace-summer-drought-heels-harvest-shortfalls