Come Rain or Shine 

When most people look outside the window their mood changes; they think about all the drawbacks from the rain, the delays, the closings and, most of all, the mud. What they are not thinking about, however, are the many advantages and disadvantages this rainfall brings.

 

Increased rainfall patterns in recent times have brought both blessings and challenges to farmers, people, and animals alike. On the positive side, farmers have experienced enhanced soil moisture, contributing to improved crop yields. This surplus water availability has been a boom for agriculture, reducing the need for irrigation and lowering water related expenses for farmers. Additionally, expanded rainfall can replenish water reservoirs, securing a more sustainable water supply for both agricultural and domestic use.

 

However, this atmospheric shift has not been without its drawbacks. Excessive rainfall can lead to waterlogging and flooding in agricultural areas, causing significant damage to crops. An article entitled “How Too Much Rain Affects Your Garden,'' from a website called Penn State Extension, states, “Root loss occurs when excess water reduces oxygen in the soil. A plant cannot grow without healthy roots.” The over flooding of fields poses a threat to plant health, fostering the growth of diseases and adversely affecting crop quality. In extreme cases, flooding can result in the loss of entire harvests, jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers who depend on their crops for income.

 

Atreyu Rowe, a Washingtonville student and 3rd generation farmer, expressed, “This increased rain has positives and negatives, we have had multiple occasions of machines getting stuck.” 

 

An article entitled "Timing is Everything” from a website called Agriculture Classroom, states, “Too much rain at planting time can mean trouble getting into muddy fields with heavy planting equipment.” 

 

Alice Roe, a 4th generation orchard farmer and Washingtonville High School student stated “Apples can develop a taste difference due to increased rain such as hardness and bitterness.”

 

Beyond the agricultural realm, increased rainfall has implications for communities and ecosystems. While the replenishment of water sources is beneficial, excessive rainfall may lead to flash floods and landslides, posing risks to human settlements and infrastructure. 

 

Moreover, the altered rainfall patterns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting the habitats of various animals. Species that are unable to adapt quickly may face challenges in finding suitable environments and food sources, potentially leading to population decline. 

 

An article entitled “The Many Effects of Flooding” from a website called National Geographic, states that “flooding can have a negative effect on wildlife, causing drowning, disease proliferation, and habitat destruction. In 2012, hundreds of animals, including many vulnerable one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis), were killed in floods that swamped Kaziranga National Park in the Indian state of Assam.”

 

The recent surge in rainfall has brought a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. Farmers have got the benefits of improved soil moisture and increased crop yields, but the downside includes the risks of waterlogging, flooding, and crop damage. Balancing the positive and negative impacts requires sustainable management practices and adaptation strategies to ensure the well-being of agricultural communities, ecosystems, and the human population.