Six Meteorological Phenomena and their Effects on Agricultural Production
Climate change is causing increasingly strong, recurrent, and challenging weather phenomena that challenge several areas.
Although these transformations impact all sectors, when considering access to the raw materials needed to boost industries, for example, agriculture is affected more broadly. In this article, we will talk about some of these effects.
So, if you want to delve into the subject and learn how to minimize the negative effects, keep reading!
1. Rains
Even though this is one of the most predictable meteorological phenomena, through the use of technology and real-time information, statistics show that the rain is gradually becoming unpredictable. They are divided into three types:
- orographic;
- convective;
- frontal.
While the first type is common in mountainous regions, caused by the terrain blocking of the damp air masses, the second happens everywhere. It arises from the heat, is short-lived and strong. Finally, the latter occurs from the encounter between masses of cold and hot air.
These explanations show how simple this phenomenon is. However, since climate change has affected its frequencies and forces, some agricultural regions suffer losses. While wheat, for example, suffers from excess water, the horticultural complex is impacted by the lack.
Therefore, in addition to investing in reducing impacts, it is necessary to adapt the crops to conditions that are most favourable to their development. In uncertain times, technology becomes to the best ally.
2. El Niño
This famous event is commonly seen in the vicinity of the Pacific Ocean. It occurs sporadically—in an interval of 2 to 7 years. During it, temperatures rise abnormally, which generates greater water evaporation and, consequently, denser rains.
With the effects of a different frequency and temperature, many crops suffer consequences, especially those sensitive to climate change, such as chickpeas, peas, and peppers.
However, they can be positive, culminating in evenly distributed and more abundant rainfall. It is recommended that professionals identify and take advantage of these opportunities or, in negative cases, seek to minimize their impacts.
For this, a good suggestion is to monitor the information passed on by high-standard meteorologists. They are responsible for identifying and advertising such events. Thus, farmers can implement preventive measures and delimit an appropriate agricultural timetable.
3. La Niña
Oftentimes mistaken with El Niño, these meteorological phenomena also come from the Pacific Ocean. However, its main difference is the cooling of the waters —rather than the heating. This results in increased rainfall accumulation and long overcast periods. In turn, plants suffer from a lack of light.
This event occurs in a more sporadic way than the previous one. Still, planning the attitudes to be taken can make a difference in mitigating various challenges in agricultural production.
As pointed out in El Niño, farmers must keep an eye on the data released by agrometeorology. They will be of great value in taking the proper precautions.
4. Greenhouse effect
Despite being one of the most important, this phenomenon is quite neglected. It is generated by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, which causes a high carbon dioxide concentration and ultimately heats the Earth.
The results include, among many other obstacles, melting polar ice caps, climate change and wildfires. In this sense, the production losses are worrying. It is essential to invest in social and environmental responsibility and the search for cleaner sources of energy.
It is also important to keep in mind that even though some plants resist drought better, the constant increase in temperatures can affect even these species.
5. Cyclones
These dangerous events take shape when the rise of hot air masses intensifies while the cold air masses descend. As a result, there are aggressive storms and strong winds. They tend to reach 200 km/h with a circular format.
In terms of range, cyclones can go from the clouds to the ground, devastating the places they pass through. In this case, it is difficult for agricultural production not to suffer impacts. So, it is important to avoid areas of high occurrence of these meteorological phenomena, in addition to seeking data to anticipate them.
6. Climate zoning
This event is not necessarily a meteorological phenomenon. However, it is important to bring it up, as it is an excellent agricultural profile analysis tool. By carrying it out, experts guarantee the best crops according to the region and climate forecasts.
To this end, the rainfall means, soil quality, temperature and phenomena that can reach the region are analysed. In other words, Climate Zoning is critical to those who seek to minimize production challenges.
To succeed in the area —even in the midst of adversity—it is essential to keep up to date on minimising the effects of the events described. In addition to the tips presented, it is also important to rely on the field’s technology.
When applied correctly, it allows professionals to predict certain adversities and mitigate them before suffering their consequences. Thus, they can reap the best fruits of their efforts and ensure the quality of their crops.
Meteorological phenomena have been part of history since its beginnings. Knowing the soil, temperature, food conditions, and the seasons’ characteristics is essential for the harvest result quality. However, with increasingly unexpected events, investing in innovation will be the differential for healthy and productive cultures.
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