How did people, who weren’t specialists, learn basic solutions to the problems of daily life before phones, do-it-yourself books and the internet videos? Often, from grandparents or village elders.
In 1978, when I was a first-time homeowner, pet parent and new mother, I met a village elder. He was a farmer in Hollis, New Hampshire, who, in addition to farming, sold vegetables and ran the feed store where I bought bulk food for the puppy. He was then in his 60s, a lean and slight man with gray hair and a weathered face. Sadly, I never knew his name.
Among the things he told me about was his concern for the land. Years of observation led him to believe that the land needs to be under at least 6 inches of snow throughout January, although he felt 10 inches was better. I respected what he gleaned from what must have been a half-century of working the land.
I have revisited that conversation as the winters became warmer and drier. After the nearly snow-free winter of 2015-16, I wished for — and expected — a return to a snowier season.
January began promisingly with at least 2 inches of snow cover. The cold continued through the first week. Ten days into the month, snow remained. But, by the 12th, most of the snow had melted. The ground across the state has been largely exposed for much of January.
What is a drought? The U.S. Geological Survey differentiates among three different kinds. Meteorological drought is the lack of precipitation, which is what triggers the other forms. Hydrologic drought describes reduced groundwater and stream flow. Then there is the sort my mentor talked about, agricultural drought, or the lack of moisture in the soil.
California’s several years of drought result from a combination of all three but it is the agricultural drought that concerns us most as California grows the bulk of our fruits and vegetables. This year, farmers and city dwellers alike are cheered by snowfall in the Sierra Nevada range, which is between 135 percent and 158 percent above average. However, refilling reservoirs and recharging streams will take years of high levels of precipitation.
Is snow a factor in the Northeast? Michael Rawlins, an associate professor at the Climate Systems Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, cautions that snow accounts for only 20 percent of precipitation here. Using the Palmer Drought Severity Index, he could not find data to link snow with the area’s current drought, but, agrees, ” … low snow is a factor.”
When January temperatures are in the 40s or higher, I often hear people say, “Isn’t this a beautiful day?” and “Aren’t we lucky not to have to shovel?” I am not certain about that. Although I am disappointed for my grandchildren who have never built a snowman, my concern is for more than winter amusements. I am worried that providing food for everyone will require not just healthy bees, but sufficient fresh water and moist, healthy soil.
I brought my concerns to Duane Greene, plant physiologist and horticulturist at UMass, who agrees with Rawlins that the causes of drought are complex.
But Greene also thinks that my farmer may be correct. “Without instruments or other ways to monitor the weather, he was a good observer, as are all good farmers. He noted the changes that occur and made the link to his observation to what he saw happen.”
Perhaps, like the farmer, we all need to be good observers of precipitation patterns and water use. As Rawlins notes, “Both climate change and population growth, along with an overreliance on groundwater extraction, are putting pressure on freshwater resources around the world.”
I am concerned that if we ignore meteorological drought and continue to draw on stream flow and groundwater, that we might create an unsolvable crisis. However, journalist Brian Palmer, whose specialties are science and medicine, believes that should the year-round bounty of California produce be brought down, we could adjust. Not immediately, but perhaps within a decade, other states would compensate. The crops would not be the same, but agriculture in America changes regularly over time.
Rawlins added, “It’s very important that, as a society, we talk about the connections between a warming climate, seasonal precipitation (including snow) and environmental impacts of these changes.”
Nearly 40 years ago, I listened to an experienced farmer talk about the land. That conversation developed my view of the world. Perhaps, if we all observe and talk to each other, we will develop solutions that will help us preserve the planet.
Susan Wozniak, of Easthampton, is a retired journalist and writing professor who writes a monthly column.