Every farmer knows that the weather is a vital factor for crops and farm animal . For crops , temperature , sunshine and peculiarly rain have major impact . The growing time of year is , in fact , the period when temperature stay above freeze . Forlivestock , compatible temperature and adequate water are essential , as well as food , which goes back to turn crops . Most farmer already experience something about the weather , but we can go even beyond that if we get into the science of weather and see how it can help oneself the distinctive farmer .
Past, Present, Future
Meteorology is the scientific discipline of weather . The aptly named agrarian meteorology , aka agrometeorology , is the program of this scientific discipline especially for the product of crops and the raising of livestock . It ’s a great exercise of an applied science , i.e. , using scientific knowledge for a specific practical purpose . There are unlike branch of meteorology cover different time frames , all of which provide useful information .
For agricultural endeavors , we take a clew from nature . The local plants and animals are suited to a certain environment . In farming , we attempt to do the same . We pick out crops and livestock that can boom in our special country , under our particular curing of weather conditions . If the conditions deviates greatly from the norm , then we can have job .
Extremes in weather consideration produce the greatest tension and menace . Exceptionally hot or moth-eaten temperature and very sozzled or very juiceless weather condition would threaten crops and stock and would require to be handle with . For example , works hardiness zone are based on the utmost minimal temperature which can be ask each year in a special area . cognise plant temperature tolerances will earmark proper harvest survival : an avocado Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , aboriginal to subtropical southern Mexico , is hunky-dory for modest Southern California wintertime but wo n’t live the heavy freeze of Minnesota .
Next Year Vs. Next Days
Climatology can tell Farmer what is normal , what they can typically have a bun in the oven , particularly in terms of temperature and rainfall . It can also tell farmers what case of extreme point in weather have pass in the past times , extremes that today ’s farmers may well have to face . Current weather conditions can measure the weather condition component , and a granger can compare them to the current shape of crops and farm animal .
If climatology tells us generally what we can expect in the hereafter and thus plan for it , weather forecasting tells us what to expect in the more immediate future and with more specificity . Take frost , for example : clime data point can severalize you generally when to expect the last frost in fountain and the length of the develop season , which will avail you decide what type of crops you’re able to grow and when you’re able to safely plant them . Weather forecasts can be more specific as to when exactly Robert Frost will pass off but with less preparation fourth dimension ( perhaps a day or two ) . Then you’re able to take steps to protect untoughened vegetation with cover , heaters , etc .
Droughtis standardized . Climatic records can show typical annual rainfall but also the seasonal variability . It can also show the absolute frequency and severeness of droughts in the region . Current data can relate rain deficits to what is come about in the airfield . Short - term forecast can be used to fix irrigation needs . farsighted - terminal figure mind-set can help in future provision .
Weather Or Not
In terms of mood information , many locating around the country have long - term climate record . From these , the standard 30 - class averages or normals are produced for temperature , haste , etc . But a closer testing of individual records will show the extremes that have come about in the past .
TheNOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction , based in College Park , Md. , has piles of statistics in a variety of formats . info helpful to farmers include typical escort for the last saltation freeze , the first gloam halt , and probabilities of early and belated freezes ; modal duration of grow time of year ; and yearly precipitation and its seasonal distribution .
In terms of weather forecasts , daily forecasts include temperature and precipitation chance are standard out to seven days . hurry measure are forecast out to 24 minute . in the main , these are very accurate and can be used to determineirrigationneeds .
Accuracy does diminish over clip , and typically , temperature are bode better than haste . More general outlooks ( not daylight - by - day ) are given out to 14 years with temperature and hurry forecasts being founder as above , below or near normal . These are typically still good and can be used for general farm natural action planning . Monthly outlooks go out to one twelvemonth , but their accuracy is confutative .
There are specific forecasts for frost / freeze conditions with watch given in advance by a day or two and existent warnings at least 12 to 24 hours ahead . This can give farmers prison term to take protective measures . The National Weather Service is the source of all basic weather info , current and forecast .
How about more specific agricultural weather condition information ? Most states have a state climatologist office , and there are also regional climate centers . Many of these have an agriculture section .
The Southeastern states haveAgroClimate , a website from the Southeast Climate Consortium that provide mood data specifically tailored for the needs of Agriculture Department in this region . Many State have colleges and university which have agribusiness programs , and their website often include weather and climate data . In plus , states extension service , some associated with college or university , typically include agriculture .
There is a wealth of atmospheric condition and climate data available for farmers to use . This info can help oneself in planting , frost protection , irrigation and last harvesting . Using weather condition and mood information sagely may not assure success , but it will sure as shooting improve your chance .
