Frost hit on crops: new technology of scientific understanding and prevention

Frost hit on crops: Frost is an atmospheric phenomenon that can cause heavy damage to crops. The frost is formed when the temperature drops at 0°C or below at night, and the moisture present in the atmosphere turns into the form of snow and freezes on the surface of the crops. This occurs especially in cold weather and can prevent the growth of weak crops or destroy them. This article discusses the process of frost, effects on its crops, and measures to avoid it. 

Three major factors are responsible for becoming frost: 

When the night temperature falls rapidly and the ground surface reaches below 0 ° C, the possibility of becoming frost is more.

The moisture present in the atmosphere makes a layer of ice fiercely on the cold surfaces.

Clean and cloudy sky nights are more favorable for frost, as radiation is rapid.

Why is frost harmful?

Due to frost, the water of the cells inside the plants freezes, causing the cells to burst and the plants wither away. This is especially dangerous for crops that occur at the early stages of their development.

Importance of temperature and humidity

Temperatures and humidity contribute to the origin of frost 

• When the temperature of the atmosphere goes 0 ° C or below, the process of becoming frost begins.

• The moisture present in the air starts freezing on the cold surfaces. These surfaces can be the leaves, flowers, and soil of crops.

• Clean and stable nights are the most favourable for frost. The reason for this is that when the sky is clear, the heat emanating from the earth goes straight into space, and the temperature falls rapidly.

• At the same time, if there are clouds in the sky, then they return the heat emanating from the earth to the earth, which keeps the temperature relatively high and reduces the chances of becoming frost.

Example:

On the winter night, if a car is parked outside and the sky is clean, then the thin layer of ice freezes on its windscreen in the morning. The same process is also done on crops.

Effect of evaporation and condensation on frost 

To understand the scientific process of frost, it is necessary to know evaporation and condensation.

• When the moisture present in the air comes in contact with cold surfaces, it takes condense and takes the form of small crystals of ice.

This process is called solid deposition, which is called Deposation in scientific language.

• This phenomenon is more when the air is high moisture and the temperature is below zero.

Example:

If you have seen, the white layer of frozen on the grass in the morning is an example of frost. This is caused by the freezing of water vapor on the grass.

Land surface effect on frost 

The structure of the ground surface and its thermal properties also contribute to the formation of frost.

• The sandy soil gets cold quickly, so it is more likely to become frost.

Classes (clay) have more ability to maintain heat, which reduces the effect of frost on it.

• Surface condition of the farm also matters. If the ground is dry, then the frost is made quickly. Wet ground is less likely to become frost because wet soil has more ability to maintain moisture.

• In areas where the land structure is sandy, farmers are more cautious because crops in these areas can be affected quickly.

• Periodically wet the fields and techniques like mulching can reduce the effects of frost.

Frost effect on crop cycle 

Frost can become a major risk for cultivation, especially for crops that are sensitive to low temperatures.

1. Effect on germination:

• Can disrupt the process of germination of frost seeds.

• Sprouted plants are scorched due to cold, which stops their growth.

2. Effect on growth of crops:

• Destroy the cells of the frost plant on leaves and flowers.

• It transforms water inside the cells into ice, which breaks the cell structure.

3. Effect on ripening and harvesting:

• If the crop is hit without ripening, then both production and quality are affected.

• Sensitive crops like wheat, mustard and vegetables are particularly damaged.

4. Economic Loss:

• Farmers face a decline in market prices along with a decrease in production due to frost.

• Staying frost for a long time can cause obstruction in the entire agrarian cycle. 

Fall in crop production 

Due to frost, there is a huge decline in the yield of grains, vegetables and fruits. In cold temperatures, the ice on the leaves and cells of the plants disrupt the biological processes of crops. The process of photosynthesis and nutrient transport in plants slows down, causing the plant to weaken and reduce the production capacity. This loss can be financially disastrous for small and marginal farmers. 

Stoppage of plants growth

Parts freeze the cells of the plant, causing the water inside them to tear the cells by converting them as crystals. This process stops growth of plants and sometimes the plants dry completely. The frost is even more deadly for plants that have roots near the surface or whose stem is weak. As a result, plants lose their growth capacity, which negatively affect their productivity.

Especially affected crops

Frost can affect almost all types of crops, but some special crops are more vulnerable to it:

Vegetables: Vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and chili are most affected by frost. Their leaves and fruits get spoiled due to quick freezing.

Cereals: Rabi crops like wheat and barley also suffer frost. The growth of the crop stops the growth of the crop and the production declines.

Fruits: Fruit crops like mango, guava, and banana are very sensitive to frost. Due to cold, both flowers and fruits of these crops can be destroyed, causing heavy economic losses.

Security techniques and innovations against frost 

Frost is a major challenge for crops, especially in cold weather. However, with the help of modern science and technological innovations, the impact of frost can be reduced to a great extent. Here we will hold a detailed discussion on the major techniques and measures that farmers can use to protect their crops from frost.

1. Use of Greenhouse and Mulching

Techniques such as greenhouse and mulching are effective measures to prevent frost.

Greenhouse structures

Working Work: Plastic sheets or glass are used in the greenhouse, which protect crops from cold winds and low temperatures.

Benefits: This technique maintains a stable temperature for crops and prevents the effect of snowfall or dew.

Useful crops for farmers: Greenhouses can be used for high -value crops such as tomatoes, chillies, and flowers.

Multiculture technique

What is mulching? Mulching uses organic (dry grass, leaves, straw) or inorganic (plastic sheets) cover, which covers the soil around the roots of the plants and maintains its moisture and heat.

Benefit:

The soil temperature remains stable.

It helps to maintain soil moisture.

The roots of crops do not come in contact with cold.

2. Artificial heating

Artificial heating technology is an advanced way to reduce the effect of frost.

How does it work?

The temperature of the atmosphere is increased by burning a heater or small bonfire in the fields.

This method is especially useful in places where the temperature often goes below zero degrees.

How to use?

• Large scale is used for grapes, strawberries, and other high -value crops.

• This method is more beneficial for commercial farming.

Benefit:

Helpful in warming the environment rapidly but it can be energy consumed and expensive.

3. Fogging technology (fog)

Fogging technology produces artificial mist in the fields, which reduces the effect of frost.

Principle of Technology:

• Small particles of water are sprayed in the air.

• This gauze controls surface temperature and reduces the effect of cold.

Benefit:

• Helps reduce the frost directly.

• Keeps the air temperature around the soil and the crop stable.

Where useful?

• This technique is used in areas where there is a sudden drop in temperature at night.

4. Spraying of water (sprinkling)

Water spraying is a simple and effective way to protect it from frost.

How does it work?

• Sprinkling light water on crops in cold weather does not freeze snow on them.

• When the water freezes, it stabilizes the temperature and prevents the cells of the leaves from freezing.

Benefits of Use:

• Effective solution in low cost.

• Useful for small and marginal farmers.

Limits:

• Effective in areas with water availability.

• This method can be less effective in extreme cold.

Other measures and suggestions

1. Use of Weather Alert System: Farmers should pay attention to the frost forecast issued by the Meteorological Department and prepare accordingly.

2. Insurance of crops: Take advantage of crop insurance scheme for harm damage.

3. Selection of frost resistant varieties: Use seeds and plants that are more tolerant of frost.

There is a challenging situation for frost farmers, but its side effects can be reduced by understanding its scientific reasons and using modern techniques. To reduce the effect of frost in farming, it is very important to reach scientific research and innovations to the farmers. In addition, farming can be made more secure and profitable by coordinating traditional and modern measures.