Monthly Precipitation Patterns in a Region Vulnerable to Climate-Related Hazards—A Case Study from Poland

Precipitation totals at annual and monthly scale are key elements affecting water availability for a number of human activities. Thus, the multi-year variability and probability distribution of precipitation form the basis information for water management and damage risk assessment (caused by drought and heavy rains). The main goal of this paper is to analyse the precipitation patterns and to determine the non-exceedance probability (p, %) of extreme monthly precipitation in the region influenced by lignite mining and dominated by traditional agricultural production. Monthly precipitation totals recorded in 1961–2010 at four weather stations close to the analysed region were examined, including comparative analysis of precipitation patterns between the stations. Different non-exceedance probability (p, %) was determined with focus on extreme precipitation. Annual and monthly precipitation was characterised by a large variation of values. Temporal variability was larger than the spatial variability. The highest average sums were registered in July and the lowest in February. Minimum monthly precipitation (<10 mm) were recorded between January and April, and in October at all four weather stations. Maximum totals, amounting to more than 200 mm, were noted in July. The largest share of absolute minimum and maximum monthly precipitation was recorded at the turn of 20th and 21st centuries. Temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation for very dry, abnormally dry and extremely dry months (p ≤ 20%) were characterised by lower dispersion of values compared with wet months (p ≥ 80%). The precipitation probability distribution at p ≤ 20% may be useful to determine agricultural drought risk assessment in the region. Monthly precipitation at p ≥ 80% may be the background for planning drainage system efficiency and assessment of flooding risk of lignite deposits

Influence of Forecast Climate Changes on Water Needs of Jerusalem Artichoke Grown in the Kuyavia Region in Poland

Most scenarios of climate change in Poland predict an increase in air temperature in the coming years. However, no significant increase in precipitation is forecast. Therefore, an increase in the water needs of plants should be expected, which requires the development of irrigation systems. To precisely determine the schedule of crop irrigation, it is necessary to investigate the water needs of plants and to estimate the prospects of changes in the future. This research aimed to estimate the water needs of Jerusalem artichoke in the period 2021–2050 in the Kuyavia region located in central Poland, where the need for supplementary irrigation is the highest. Based on the calculations, it was found that, in the growing season (21 May–30 September), an increase in the water needs of Jerusalem artichoke, of 26 mm, i.e., 9%, should be expected. The highest increase of 10 mm (i.e., by 16%) is expected in August. The results of our studies are utilitarian in character and can be used for the preparation of a strategy for the development of irrigation systems for Jerusalem artichoke cultivation in central Poland

Effect of the Forecast Air Temperature Change on the Water Needs of Vines in the Region of Bydgoszcz, Northern Poland

The climatic changes observed in Poland are manifested by an increase in air temperature, but not an increase in rainfall, which causes an increase in the water needs of plants, and hence the necessity to develop irrigation systems for crops. The aim of this study was to assess the water needs of grapevines in 2021–2050 in the Bydgoszcz region (northern Poland), an area with high requirements for supplementary irrigation. The calculations were based on the expected changes in air temperature according to the climate change scenario for Poland: the 4th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—Special Report on Emissions Scenarios: balanced scenario (A1B). The average monthly temperature in 1981–2010 was used in the calculations. The water needs of grapevines were estimated using the reference evapotranspiration calculated using the Blaney–Criddle equation, and then using the crop coefficient and potential (crop) evapotranspiration. It was found that in 2021–2050, the water needs of grapevines, both during the growing season (May–September) and during the irrigation period (June–August), will increase by 6%. The highest and significant increase in water needs, by 10%, should be expected in August. The estimated increase in water needs of grapevines indicates the need to development sustainable irrigation systems for vineyards in northern Poland

Effect of the Forecast Air Temperature Change on the Water Needs of Vines in the Region of Bydgoszcz, Northern Poland

The climatic changes observed in Poland are manifested by an increase in air temperature, but not an increase in rainfall, which causes an increase in the water needs of plants, and hence the necessity to develop irrigation systems for crops. The aim of this study was to assess the water needs of grapevines in 2021–2050 in the Bydgoszcz region (northern Poland), an area with high requirements for supplementary irrigation. The calculations were based on the expected changes in air temperature according to the climate change scenario for Poland: the 4th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—Special Report on Emissions Scenarios: balanced scenario (A1B). The average monthly temperature in 1981–2010 was used in the calculations. The water needs of grapevines were estimated using the reference evapotranspiration calculated using the Blaney–Criddle equation, and then using the crop coefficient and potential (crop) evapotranspiration. It was found that in 2021–2050, the water needs of grapevines, both during the growing season (May–September) and during the irrigation period (June–August), will increase by 6%. The highest and significant increase in water needs, by 10%, should be expected in August. The estimated increase in water needs of grapevines indicates the need to development sustainable irrigation systems for vineyards in northern Poland

Water and Irrigation Requirements of <i>Glycine max</i> (L.) Merr. in 1981–2020 in Central Poland, Central Europe

Soya, one of the most economically important crops, is sensitive to periodic water deficits, which, because of climate change, are becoming more and more common in central Europe. The goal of this study was to estimate the water requirements of soybean from 1981 to 2020 in four provinces of central Poland and the rainfall deficits affecting soybean cultivation; the study also evaluates rainfall water use efficiency for soybean cultivated in production fields to investigate the future necessity of supplemental irrigation. Calculations were based on the values of monthly air temperature and the sum of precipitation. Soybean water requirements were calculated using the method of crop coefficients and reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the Blaney–Criddle approach. Crop water requirements were defined as potential evapotranspiration. Precipitation deficits for soybean were estimated using the Ostromęcki method. Water use efficiency was calculated based on rainfall totals and soybean yield in the rainfed fields. It was found that, on average in the central Poland provinces, from 1981 to 2020, the water requirements of soybean in the growing season amounted to 384 mm, and the highest water requirements occurred in June and July. In the studied forty-year period, a significant upward trend in soybean water requirements in central Poland was observed, both from 1 May to 31 August and from 1 June to 31 August. Rainfall deficits in soybean cultivation in central Poland were found from May to August and amounted to 123 mm in normal years (N50%). The rainfall water use efficiency from April to August for soybean cultivated in central Poland on average amounted to 6.6 kg ha−1 mm−1 and varied in individual years and regions. The results of the study indicate the need to develop supplemental irrigation systems for soybean crops cultivated in central Poland and other areas of the world with similar climate conditions to optimize yield and the sustainable use of water resources

The Water Needs of Grapevines in the Different Regions of Poland

The aim of this study was to estimate the water needs of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in the different regions of Poland. The requirements of grapevines water, considered as the crop evapotranspiration, were determined using the plant coefficient method. The grapevine plants crop evapotranspiration was measured using the reference evapotranspiration and plant coefficients. The plant coefficients were adapted to the reference evapotranspiration that was calculated using the Blaney‑Criddle’s formula, modified for Polish conditions by Żakowicz. The water needs of grapevines were determined for five agro‑climatic regions of Poland with the representative meteorological stations. The calculations of grapevines water requirements were carried out for the thirty‑year period determined from 1981 to 2010. The study was based on the six‑month growing season established from May 1 to October 31. Four months, including May, June, July and August, were considered as the irrigation period. The highest grapevines water requirements (440 mm) during the growing season, were observed in the north‑west and central‑east region of Poland. In turn, the lowest water requirements were revealed in the south‑east (414 mm) and north‑east (415 mm) region of the country. During the irrigation period, the highest grapevines water needs occurred in the central‑north‑west (355 mm) and central‑east (353 mm) region of Poland, while the lowest (329 mm) – in the south‑east region of the country. The upward time trend of the grapevines water requirements was observed both in the growing season and in the irrigation period. With the exception of the central‑north‑west region, this time trend was significant throughout Poland. The highest increase in the water needs of grapevines during the growing season (by 6.9 mm in each subsequent ten‑year period) occurred in the central‑east and south‑east region of Poland. In the irrigation period, the highest rise of grapevines water requirements was noted in the south‑west (7.4 mm decade ‑1) and south‑east (7.6 mm decade ‑1) region of the country. The highest rainfall deficit was observed in the central‑north‑west region of Poland; 125 mm during the growing season, and 117 mm in the irrigation period

Water Needs of the Ash-Leaved Maple (Acer negundo L.) at the Period Over Three Years after Reclamation in Different Regions of Poland

The ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo L.) has low habitat requirements, which is why this species is often used in the reclamation or industrial areas. Development of the reclamation plantings depends on the optimal water soil conditions that can be controlled by watering treatments. However, the use of irrigation requires determining the water needs of cultivated species. The objective of the study was to evaluate the water needs of ash-leaved maple in the reclamation plantings, in the period of over three years after planting. The water needs of ash-leaved maple were determined using the crop coefficients method. Potential evapotranspiration was calculated using the Blaney-Criddle’s formula that was modified for Polish conditions by Żakowicz. The water needs of ash-leaved maple were assessed for five agro-climatic regions of Poland, in the years 1981-2010. The water needs of ash-leaved maple in the growing period (April-October) were the highest in the C-E (638 mm) and C-N-W (637 mm) regions, and the lowest in the N-E (598 mm) and S-E (601 mm) regions. In July, the highest water needs were noted in the C-N-W region (149 mm) and the lowest in the S-W region (129 mm). In the studied thirty-years period, there was a significant upward trend in the water needs of ash-leaved maple both during the growing season (except for the C-N-W region) and in July, in all considered regions

Water Requirements of Bird Cherry (Padus avium Mill.)

Bird cherry (Padus avium Mill.) is a medicinal and ornamental plant. Its flowers, fruits and bark are used in herbal medicine. Bird cherry is planted in parks, along roads and also used in the landscape and reclamation plantations. The first three years after planting determines the seedling survival rate of introduced plants. During this period, the plants should have adequate soil moisture, which can be provided by the properly designed and operated irrigation system. The aim of the research was to assess the bird cherry water needs during the first three years after planting. As a measure of water requirements, the potential evapotranspiration (Etp) of the plants was applied. The modified for Polish conditions by Żakowicz (2010) Blaney-Criddle’s formula using the adjusted crop coefficients was applied. It was assumed that the growing season of plants starts on April 1 and ends on October 31. The estimates were carried out for five agro-climatic regions of Poland during the years 1981-2010. The rainfall deficiency (or excess) in the period from April to October was calculated based on the difference between the plants water needs (showed as Etp) and the precipitation totals. The average water requirements of bird cherry in all studied regions during the period of the highest water needs (July-August) were 233 mm. The highest water requirements (around 242 mm) in the period July- August occurred in the central-north-western and central-eastern regions. The lowest water requirements (227 mm) were noted in the north-eastern and southeastern regions. In each decade of the long-term, a significant rising tendency of water needs in the period July-August by 5 mm was noted. [...]Vytauto Didžiojo universitetasŽemės ūkio akademij

Water Needs of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) in The First Three Years of Growing in Different Regions of Poland

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is appreciated as an ornamental, but also as a honey and medicinal plant. Generally, the trees of this species are planted in the city parks and along streets. Black locust is also used in the soil remediation process, because it enriches the top layer of soil with nitrogen. High seedling survival rate on the reclamation areas determines the success of the first stage of remediation. The use of appropriate cultivars and high quality of seedlings, as well as ensuring sufficient water conditions by irrigation determines the reclamation results. However, firstly, it is necessary to determine the water requirements of the planted species. The aim of the presented study was the estimation of Robinia pseudoacacia L. water needs during the first three years of growing. A commonly used measure of the plant water requirements is a potential evapotranspiration that was calculated in the present study. The modified for Polish conditions by Żakowicz, Blaney-Criddle’s formula, using the adjusted crop coefficients, was applied. The assumption was that the growing period of black locust covers the interval from the beginning of April to the end of October. The calculations were carried out for the thirty years; from 1981 to 2010, in the different agro-climatic regions of Poland. The results presented a rising tendency in the black locust water needs during the growing season for all tested 30 years and in each considered region. The data indicates a gradual increase in the black locust water requirements in all studied regions of Poland. During the analyzed 30 years (1981-2010) the water needs of black locust during the growing season (IV-X) increased in every ten years by 9.8 mm in the central-eastern and south-eastern regions, 9.4 mm in the south-west region, 8.3 mm in the north-east region and 5.8 mm in the north-west region of PolandVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŽemės ūkio akademij