Were you surprised by the sun damage the last time it was this humid? Maybe it’s time you took precautions so that you’re not caught off-guard when disaster strikes next.
UV radiation can completely ruin your harvest. When too much UV radiation strikes your crops, they can suffocate and die, leaving you with nothing to harvest and sell in the fall. The only way to stop this is to prevent those nasty rays from harming your crops.
We’re here to help. Below, we’re going to talk about how to protect crops and what sorts of different options there are for when you’re ready to implement a plan. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Choosing Sun-Protective Plant Varieties
One way to protect crops from sun damage is to choose sun-protective plant varieties that are more suitable to your soil, climate, and growing conditions. Some crops, such as tomatoes, need the sun to grow but can be damaged by too much direct sunlight.
Plants like lettuces, however, can be easily scorched. Crops from more sun-sensitive varieties should be planted where the plants will receive morning or late afternoon light instead of direct midday sunshine.
Utilizing Shade Cloths and Other Sunscreens
Utilizing shade cloths and other sunscreens is an important aspect of protecting crops from sun damage. Shade cloths provide a layer of shade over crops, allowing them to grow more quickly and stay healthy.
They come in a variety of sizes, so they can be adjusted to fit any length of the field. Depending on the expected amount of sun, light-weight, medium-weight, or heavy-weight shade cloth can be utilized.
Maintaining Proper Soil Moisture
It is important to maintain soil moisture in order to protect crops from sun damage. This can be done by planting shade-tolerant crops, using mulch, and scheduling irrigation.
When planting shade tolerant crops, such as short-stemmed varieties of vegetables, trees, and shrubs, can be used to aid in creating shade that blocks harmful UV rays from affecting the crops.
Establishing Ground Cover
Establishing ground cover is an effective way to protect your crops from sun damage. To do this, farmers can plant a resistant crop, such as grass, alongside the main crop.
Having a crop of grass or similar ground-covering material between the main crop and the sun will reduce the amount of direct sunlight that is present, which will reduce the amount of heat and radiation that comes in contact with the main crop.
Applying Sun-Protective Sprays and Washes
Sun damage can devastate crops, but it is possible to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays. Applying plant sun protection, such as protective sprays and washes, is an effective method for farmers to protect their crops from sun damage.
Protect Crops From Sun Damage
Through the use of shade covers, modern farming techniques, and computerized systems, crops have the potential to be protected from sun damage.
Take the initiative today by taking the necessary steps to protect crops from sun damage!
Did you find these farming tips helpful? If so, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more!
