droughtsensitive

Drought sensitivity refers to the degree to which a system—such as a crop, pasture, forest, water supply, or economy—is affected by drought conditions. It captures how exposed a system is to reduced water availability and how vulnerable it is, given its structure and adaptive capacity. The concept is used in climate risk assessments, agricultural planning, and hydrological analyses to compare how different components respond to drought events.

In agriculture, drought-sensitive crops or varieties show larger reductions in growth and yield when rainfall is scarce or soil moisture is depleted. Sensitivity depends on factors such as rooting depth, soil water-holding capacity, planting schedules, and management practices like irrigation and fertilizer use. Mitigation strategies include selecting drought-tolerant cultivars, improving soil moisture retention, optimizing irrigation efficiency, mulching, and adopting conservation tillage.

In natural ecosystems and water resources, drought sensitivity affects species composition, productivity, groundwater recharge, and streamflow. Plants with shallow roots or low water-use efficiency tend to be more drought-sensitive, while deeper-rooted species or those with efficient water use may better endure dry spells. Prolonged drought can shift phenology, increase pest or disease pressures, and elevate wildfire risk.

Assessment and management of drought sensitivity involve integrating exposure with vulnerability indicators and adaptive capacity. This often uses climate models, drought indices, and field observations. Practical responses include water-use efficiency improvements, demand management, rainwater harvesting, strategic reservoir operations, and policies that reduce climate-variability risks and bolster resilience.