The rainfall experienced recently has reduced the drought in the soil to a certain degree

Cyprus International University (CIU), Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Faculty Dean, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Baktır, drawing attention to the benefits of the rainfall experienced in the past few days, went on to advise, “In countries like Cyprus where drought is dominant, rainfall really is a blessing”.

The fact that many products are not harvested till the autumn period does not reduce the importance of rain reminded Baktır, who then explained that the rainfall in the country during the past three days reduces the drought of the soil to a certain degree, and more importantly, ensures that the soil comes to an arable consistency.

Stating that soil that becomes arable is always easier to plow and that it seriously eases the process of planting field vegetation, such as wheat and barley, Prof. Dr. Baktır continued, “More importantly, it ensures that the seeds thrown upon the soil sprout more uniformly and quickly”.

Explaining that rainfall during this season is of vital importance to olives, which is one of the most important products of this island, Baktır elaborated, "Water provided to olives a period of time prior to harvesting, ensures the easier harvesting of the fruit, while simultaneously ensuring that the product is larger and fuller”.

Prof. Dr. Baktır also explained that during this period, rainfall is also extremely important for citrus fruits, and went on to add, “The harvesting period for citrus fruits, particularly Satsuma Mandarins and Interdonato lemons, is approaching. The rainfall during the past 3 days will not only eliminate the lack of water in the fruits at an important level but will also contribute nicely to a higher quality in these products”.

Pointing out that as long as the rainfall does not turn into a disaster, its importance in terms of agriculture is indisputable, Baktır advised, “In terms of agriculture, the most beneficial type of rainfall of all is the rain that falls slowly and penetrates to a depth of 20-30cm into the soil. This is because the roots of the plants that benefit from water and fertilizers the most are located in the 30cm upper layer of the soil”.

Expressing that long-term and regular rains additionally contribute to the rising of the groundwater in the soil, which is of vital importance for the island, Baktır warned, “Winter is approaching. Without wasting time, the cleaning of irrigation channels and a review of the dams generally across the island should be the priority”.