Article Summary
In the state of Texas, producers of pecan nuts began to face significant problems. According to Holley (2023), one of the victims is Winston Millikan, who is in the fifth generation growing this plant. His family’s farm is located outside San Saba and is famous for its dense gardens. They are important for the whole family, their company has 25 employees and sells nuts not far from the city center. However, Millikan faced a problem with far-reaching consequences – drought.
History of Pecan Nut Production
Historically, pecans have been an important part of Texas and provided additional income for rural communities. According to Holley (2023), in 1919, it was recognized as the official state tree. It was fertile due to a combination of hot summers that dried the land and wet winters that regenerated the vegetation.
Pecan production includes not only agriculture but also a significant economic contribution to the state of Texas. This industry supports numerous jobs in manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Farmers’ problems concern not only their business but also the general situation of the state, especially in the economic and environmental spheres.
Problems of Pecan Farmers
The article describes the problems faced by Texas farmers – drought and extreme heat. This climate damages the trees, many of which die or show signs of stress. These plants can live up to 300 years, and due to the current climatic conditions of the state, they have begun to die back, which is characterized by wilting of leaves and branches. San Saba, in which Millican’s farm is located, is one of the most affected regions and the growing water scarcity is exacerbating the problem (Holley, 2023). Mature pecan trees can require thousands of gallons of water each week during the growing season, making them vulnerable to drought, even with drip irrigation. This puts the business of growing pecans at risk, which will have a long-term impact on the industry.
Trends and Future
The situation is dire and is only gaining momentum with time. According to Holley (2023), Millikan notes that a drought will not only leave him without the money invested in the business but may also cause an absolute lack of harvest. In previous years, the summer heat was interrupted by cool days, so this allowed farmers to harvest the fruits of the dean for several months. This year, people do not even expect anything good and profitable; even the plants located near the river begin to die.
The article highlights the vulnerability of mature pecan trees despite their extensive root systems. It is indicating an alarming trend of declining resilience. This problem puts the well-being of the community in question as well. A decrease in income leads to financial stress. This affects the overall picture of access to education and health care in pecan-growing communities.
Geographical Analysis
In general, this situation significantly affects the entire agriculture. The article highlighted several situations of crop loss by farmers. Based on the results, people have determined that the climate is warming and Texas’ water resources are shrinking (Holley, 2023). For example, in West Texas, scientists have determined that rising temperatures threaten the production of cotton, grapes, and corn.
In the Rio Grande Valley, which is one of the most productive centers of US agriculture, the entire crop is gradually drying up. The region’s exports suffer as a result, and the economic and environmental spheres deteriorate, hitting the well-being and financial situation of all people. Even those who are not affected by the drought and agriculture will see a problem with the increase in prices. The drought resulted in a significant reduction in available grass, and what’s left has seen a remarkable surge in cost, consequently making the price of grass feed exceptionally high.
Impacts
Heat
The news article highlights the direct impact of climate change on the current situation and Texas agriculture in general. Summers experience prolonged heatwaves, rising temperatures, and droughts, disrupting the state’s traditional farming practices. Although Texas is famous for its hot and dry climate, the situation is becoming critical, and it threatens farms and the stability of local ecosystems. According to Douglas (2023), “Heat waves — and the record-breaking temperatures they bring — are becoming more common and severe due to climate change, scientists have found.”
Water Scarcity
The heat is causing water scarcity, and the dependence of the baker’s trees on it further accentuates the problem. Population growth and expanding urban areas in the state are increasing competition for water resources. Agriculture suffers significantly from this, as it is a particularly vulnerable area to water restrictions and groundwater depletion.
Human Activities
The dean production industry is deeply rooted in this area. Their economic and ecological spheres and human well-being rest on the production of bakers. The current problem may affect human earnings and employment in these regions. An important aspect of this situation is land use because pecan orchards have long been a fixture of the Texas landscape. Geographical problems significantly affect this vegetation, and the changing landscape complicates the situation.
Causes
Climate
The reason for this warming is the variability of the Texas climate, which includes periods of drought and heat. According to Schumacher et al. (2023), “Over the last 10 years, there were more than 1,600 days when a heat record was matched or broken at one of 22 weather stations across Texas.” Rising global temperatures are contributing to more frequent and more severe heat waves and droughts. The increase in energy in the atmosphere disrupts traditional weather patterns, leading to unpredictable and extreme weather events.
Population Growth
In addition, the state has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. It is the second most populous state in the US, causing rapid urbanization. The increase in demand for water in urban areas. Urban sprawl causes competition for water, which is also in short supply in agricultural areas. Aquifers, like the Ogallala Aquifer, are underground reservoirs that store fresh water (Holley, 2023). These are vital facilities for Texas, but even during the current crisis, it doesn’t help. Excessive pumping and limited rates of recharge have depleted many aquifers, reducing groundwater availability.
Rainfall
The cultivation of pecan trees is also affected by rainfall, and Texas is famous for its wide range of rainfall regimes punctuated by periods of dry periods. Climate change may alter these patterns, leading to more irregular and unpredictable rainfall. Evaporation, which increases during high temperatures, also reduces the amount of water.
Summary
All the above aspects cause terrible drought which creates crop failure situations. This is an environmental stress for the entire state. Ecological factors that include the state of ecosystems and river flows are damaged. It significantly affects the farms where pecans are grown and, as a result, causes an inevitable disaster. Climate change can affect these environmental factors by affecting water quality and quantity. For example, a decrease in river flow can affect the dilution of pollutants in water bodies.
References
Douglas, E. (2023). This summer is on track to be among Texas’ most extreme. The Texas Tribune. Web.
Holley, P. (2023). Drought and relentless heat push Texas pecan growers to the brink. Texas Monthly. Web.
Schumacher, Y., Ford, A., & Douglas, E. (2023). Climate change has sent temperatures soaring in Texas. The Texas Tribune. Web.
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