Domestic fruit cultivation is coming under increasing pressure, according to a current study by the Society for the Conservation of Crop Diversity (Noah’s Ark). Three model regions were analyzed: Amstetten Süd, the Pöllauer Tal and the Lungau. The climate, which is favorable for fruit growing, is shifting to higher altitudes, the reason being global warming.
The Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the Federal Fruit Growing Association also called for support in fruit growing, calling the situation “dramatic”. The cultivation of orchards in Austria has been declining sharply for decades, the study shows.
Experts warn
The number of orchard fruit trees decreased from approximately 35 million around 1930 to approximately 4.2 million trees in 2020. About 50 percent of the total Austrian population can be found in Upper and Lower Austria. The long-term safety of orchards can only be achieved “in collaboration with organizations that provide regional advice and can put new findings (…) into practice,” the study said.
The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku), the Working Group for the Promotion of Orchard Production (ARGE Streuobst) and engineering firm Holler were also involved in the research; it was financed, among others, by the Ministry of Climate Change. The study also included climate data from the time periods 1961 to 1990 and 1991 to 2020.
Lack of water availability
At lower elevations, the lack of water will be a particular problem for fruit growing in the future. This can be exacerbated by local soil conditions. According to the research, orchards and orchards in the Amstetten region will suffer from drought. One thing applies to all altitudes: summer heat and drought stress, but more frequent extreme events such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and drought will also increase. In addition, the earlier start of vegetation increases the risk of frost damage.
Overall, global warming of both 2 and 3 degrees Celsius would bring huge changes to fruit production, although the changes would be more severe at plus 3 degrees Celsius. Traditional forms of cultivation are particularly at risk.
Alpine region as future cultivation area
However, according to the research, regions that were previously less suitable for fruit production can benefit from this. The Alpine region may be a suitable future growing area. “Active climate protection that limits global warming to less than plus 2 degrees Celsius is essential,” says Kajtna.
According to Kajtna, the most important aspect for fruit growing in the future is the choice of location. It is essential to pay attention to fertile and healthy soil. Due to the higher water requirements of the trees, nutrient management would have to be adjusted. When planting new plants, special attention should also be paid to the choice of fruit type.
Support required
In the run-up to Apple Day on November 8, the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the Federal Fruit Association also called for support in fruit growing in a broadcast. The 2024 apple harvest started “earlier than ever before” and the fruit harvest was two-thirds lower than normal.
The 2023 agricultural structure study also did not paint a good picture for fruit growing companies. According to this study, the total Austrian fruit area fell by 14 percent between 2017 and 2023. A decrease in the area was recorded not only for apples, but also for apricots, cherries, nectarines, plums and strawberries.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
