Expert Advice for Fruit Growers: Navigating Frost Risks in 2022
Farmers Struggling to Safeguard Orchards from Frost Damage at Night - Farmers plea for crisis measures to safeguard fruit crops during freezing nights
Ready to shield your orchard from the chilly blows of winter? Although frost protection is a complex, costly game for fruit growers, it's crucial in regions like Thuringia. Joachim Lissner, the managing director of the state horticultural association, emphasizes the challenge. "Picture this: hundreds of trees, all wrapped in silver mylar, heated by flamethrower cannons— and yet, the destruction wrought by frost remains," he laments.
Why the turmoil? Last year, a late frost devastated crops, leaving countless growers in a pickle. The Thuringian government scrambled to provide immediate aid, but assistance barely covered crop loss expenses. Lissner mourns, "Even with all the bells and whistles, we couldn't save our cherries."
No immediate threat, but…
Fortunately, recent frosty nights haven't been disastrous yet. Lissner reassures, "The harvest isn't currently in danger, thank goodness. But if it were, we'd need to act before full bloom, when temperatures can still sneak up on us." Particularly bracing frosts can cause damage even before the trees are fully bloomed. He advises, "I know the trees can take an icy hit down to -8 degrees, but anything colder is a no-go."
See these strategies in action:
Optimize Planting Location:- Evade frost corners by choosing sunny, wind-protected spots to place your trees.- Avoid lowlands where cold air piles up, increasing the risk of frost damage.
Thermal Techniques:- Crank up the heat with candles or burners—just remember, these methods can be costly and labor-intensive.- Wind towers are hit-or-miss; they stir the air, but results vary with the weather.
Irrigation Techniques:- Under-foliage irrigation helps during frosty nights, especially when sprinklers are activated in advance.- Overhead irrigation might seem traditional, but it requires precious water resources and can lead to erosion and runoff.
Row Covers:- Lighter row covers are a popular choice for crops like strawberries. They conserve water, reduce erosion, and limit pesticide use.- In colder climates, heftier covers might be necessary for long-term protection.
Natural Solutions:- Sodium bentonite clay can be a lifesaver as a powder or foliar spray, holding onto moisture and barring frost damage.- Plant frost-resistant varieties of fruit trees to postpone blooming and reduce exposure to spring frosts.
Supercooling:- Some plants have the innate ability to supercool flower buds to protect them from winter frost. This technique could provide guidance for new strategies.
Pet projects for Frost Protection:- Anti-Frost Machines, like those from Officine Mingozzi, can heat orchards using open flames, offering an alternative to traditional methods.- Wind turbines and generators can power heating systems or stir the air to avoid temperature stratification and frost formation.- Invest in advanced weather monitoring systems to receive early warnings of frost events and implement protection strategies effectively.
- In the face of harsh cold weather, growers, particularly those in regions like Erfurt, must consider the complexity and cost of frost protection for their orchards.
- The use of row covers, such as lighter ones for crops like strawberries, can be beneficial in conserving water, reducing erosion, and limiting pesticide use as a part of frost protection measures.
- To combat the devastating impact of frost on agriculture and fisheries, experts suggest exploring innovative solutions like anti-frost machines and advanced weather monitoring systems, as well as planting cold-hardy varieties to postpone blooming and reduce vulnerability to spring frosts.
