Groundwater decline threatens millions of tree seedlings and lettuce crops in Joroinen

Groundwater levels in Joroinen, eastern Finland, have dropped to alarming levels, threatening the region’s vital plant production, including millions of tree seedlings and lettuce crops, reports Yle.

The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) describes the situation as exceptional, as Finland rarely faces such severe groundwater shortages this early in spring. Hydrologist Sami Soosalu attributes the decline to prolonged drought over several years, which has now lowered the water table significantly.

Joroinen is home to UPM’s only tree seedling nursery in Finland, producing 25 million seedlings annually—roughly one in seven of all seedlings planted in the country. The nursery relies entirely on groundwater, consuming up to 600 cubic metres per hour at peak usage, equivalent to the entire municipality’s daily water supply. “Water is our lifeline. If it runs out, we’re in serious trouble,” said Nina Mustonen, head of UPM’s nursery.

The region also hosts Famifarm’s Järvikylä greenhouses, which grow 21–22 million lettuce and herb plants yearly, using an average of 190 cubic metres of water daily. While surface water is unsuitable due to impurities, both UPM and Famifarm have implemented water recycling. Famifarm filters and reuses excess water through sand and UV systems, but production manager Jaakko Huovinen warns that even these measures may not suffice if groundwater depletion continues.

If supplies dwindle further, alternatives like municipal water or tanker deliveries would be needed, though these are less efficient. UPM could switch to surface water for irrigation, but this would increase weed growth and labour demands.

SYKE reports that groundwater levels in the Lake Finland region are currently 80 centimetres below long-term averages. Without summer rains, similar shortages could spread across Finland, though major water utilities have backup sources. For now, Joroinen’s pumps are monitored closely, with no way to predict depletion until extraction fails. “We’re taking it day by day,” Mustonen said.

Both companies are exploring further water-saving measures, with Famifarm emphasising environmental responsibility as part of its corporate values.