Four Ways to Protect Crops from Frost (Pala):
1. Irrigation of Fields:
Light irrigation before or during a frost night helps protect crops. Water releases heat slowly as it cools, which maintains a slightly higher temperature around the plants and prevents freezing of plant tissues.
2. Creating Smoke (Smudging):
Burning waste materials like straw, dry leaves, or other organic matter around the fields produces smoke. The smoke forms a protective layer above the crops and reduces heat loss from the ground, thereby minimizing frost damage.
3. Covering the Crops:
Crops can be covered with plastic sheets, straw, cloth, or other insulating materials during cold nights. These coverings help retain heat and protect plants from direct exposure to frost.
4. Proper Drainage and Field Selection:
Cold air tends to settle in low-lying areas. Therefore, planting crops on slightly elevated land and ensuring proper drainage reduces the risk of frost damage. Avoiding depressions in the field helps protect crops from cold air accumulation.
These methods help maintain temperature around crops and reduce the harmful effects of frost.