Why its important to track air and soil temp and soil moisture for
predicting crop calendar schedules?
1. Plant physiology: The temperature of the soil and air affects the
physiological processes of plants, such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Low soil temperature can impair root growth and resource uptake, leading to
a mismatch between the physiological activity of aboveground and belowground
organs. Additionally, high soil temperatures can negatively impact plant
metabolism, causing reductions in root growth and decreased root
water/nutrient uptake.
2. Water and nutrient absorption: Soil moisture content plays a
crucial role in the absorption of water and nutrients by plants.
Insufficient soil moisture can limit the substrate supply to soil, affecting
the utilization of added organic carbon by microbes. Excessive soil
moisture can lead to a lower biomass of microorganisms due to the formation
of oxygen conditions that are unfavorable to aerobic bacteria and
mycorrhizal fungi.
3. Photosynthesis and respiration: Soil temperature
affects the rate of photosynthesis and respiration in plants. High soil
temperatures can accelerate germination, but may not be favorable for growth
and development throughout the entire plant life cycle. Low soil
temperatures can impair plant metabolism, leading to reductions in root
growth and decreased root water/nutrient uptake.
4. Seed germination and
root growth: Soil temperature is a critical environmental factor affecting
the growth and development of roots. The optimal soil temperature for seed
germination ranges between 68 and 86°F (20-30°C) . Root growth increases
when the soil temperature reaches the optimal level, but declines when it
exceeds the optimal level.
5. Soil microbial activity: Soil moisture
content affects the utilization of organic carbon and native soil organic
matter by microbes. Low soil moisture content can lead to reduced metabolic
activity and a limited rate of reproduction and respiration, while high soil
moisture content can inhibit the activity of aerobic microbes and various
oxidative enzymes[1]. In conclusion, tracking air and soil temperature and
soil moisture is essential for predicting crop calendar schedules, as these
factors significantly impact crop growth and development through their
effects on plant physiology, water and nutrient absorption, photosynthesis
and respiration, seed germination and root growth, and soil microbial
activity. By monitoring these variables, farmers can make informed decisions
about planting, irrigation, and harvesting schedules, optimizing crop growth
conditions and minimizing the risk of damage due to adverse environmental
conditions.
