Drought is a significant natural disaster that seriously impacts agriculture and is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide. The effects of this disaster on agriculture present severe challenges both in terms of productivity and agricultural sustainability. Consequently, adaptation measures to combat drought are of great importance.
Drought can cause significant yield losses in agricultural production. The reduction or depletion of water resources leads to water stress in plants, adversely affecting their growth and productivity. Particularly during drought periods, limited irrigation opportunities exacerbate drought stress on agricultural lands. This situation results in quality loss in agricultural products, decreased productivity, and reduced harvest quantities.
Drought also negatively impacts soil health. Decreased moisture levels can lead to soil structure degradation and increased erosion risk. Erosion reduces the productivity of agricultural lands, causing long-term sustainability issues in agricultural production. Adaptation measures to combat drought can help increase the resilience of the agricultural sector and make it more resistant to drought stress. These measures include water management, improved irrigation techniques, the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties, soil management practices, and agricultural policies that support climate change adaptation.
Especially during drought periods, the efficient use and conservation of water resources are critical to ensuring the continuity of agriculture. Technological advancements that enhance water efficiency and irrigation systems that better manage the water cycle can help agriculture cope more effectively with drought.
In conclusion, the ability of the agricultural sector to adapt to drought is of great importance. Efforts in areas such as the conservation of water resources, soil management, crop diversity, and technological innovations can contribute to making agriculture more resilient to natural disasters like drought. This, in turn, can strengthen food security and agricultural sustainability on more solid foundations.
This study discusses the negative effects of drought on agriculture and adaptation strategies that can minimize these effects. It focuses on necessary precautions, implementation methods, steps to be taken, and policies to be developed. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to combat drought.