Record soil moisture deficit threatens key Czech agricultural regions

A record-breaking duration of soil moisture deficit is now affecting approximately 30 percent of the Czech Republic, particularly across southern and central Moravia and northern Bohemia, according to drought monitoring platform InterSucho.

The prolonged dry spell has depleted rural wells, reduced fodder production, and stressed woodland ecosystems. Hydrologists report that precipitation across the country remains roughly 34 percent below long-term averages, severely curbing flow rates in major river systems and drying out smaller watercourses.

Environmental researchers have warned that persistent dry cycles threaten fertile lowlands, including the Polabí and Moravian regions, with progressive desertification. While state authorities have allocated 4 billion korunas (€160 million) for drought mitigation and planned reservoir projects, academic experts emphasize that water security requires agricultural modernization and landscape water-retention measures rather than relying primarily on new dams.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.