This generally happens in areas with temperate climates, when an air mass born in warm areas moves further north, towards territories with mediocre temperatures, causing more accentuated thermal decreases in the former. The extreme cold or cold air is an air mass containing a significant amount of water vapor and dust sediments, which is characterized because it has a higher density than warm air, causing a significant drop in temperature when it reaches the territory. Cold is also characterized by the fact that it does not contain airborne particles such as pollutants, dust and moisture, making it cleaner and healthier for the environment. Extreme cold is a natural phenomenon, not produced by man, where there is a significant decrease in temperature in a very short period of time.

This is because warm air or clinophore, which comes from warmer regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, is driven north by trade winds. When these air masses encounter a colder land surface, their temperature suffers a significant drop, generating the “friaje”. There are several factors that contribute to the occurrence of a cold spell: altitude, latitude, the amount of clouds, the amount of precipitation, the wind regime, the direction of the winds, the thermal difference between the air mass and the land surface and the presence of an anticyclone. If these factors are present in unfavorable conditions, cold can occur suddenly. Cold generally occurs in temperate climate zones such as the Andean zone of the Andean region of Latin America, the southern United States, Canada and some northern European countries.

How extreme cold affects crops

Extreme cold is characterized by very low temperatures for prolonged periods of time, which affects plant development and consequently reduces plant production. The plant is an organic being. Therefore, when faced with adverse climatic situations such as extreme cold, it tries to maintain its survival, even in scenarios where cold spells last for more than a day. In fact, the strategy adopted by the plant to combat extreme cold is to avoid desiccation and produce some chemicals, such as abscisic acid, to stabilize its internal temperature. However, extreme cold does not give some crops enough time to take preventive measures. When temperatures are maintained for too long periods, crops suffer damage to most parts of the crop, both above and below the surface. Many leaves turn black and even hang languidly from the stem.

In addition to damage to the surface part of plants, extreme cold also damages internal tissues. The cold affects trees and plants by causing water to freeze in their cells, which blocks nutrients and water transport into the plant. This begins to be visible in plants as production is reduced, in addition to experiencing a decrease in resistance to diseases and pests that may appear. Extreme cold not only affects crop production, it can also damage the reproductive capacity and survival of trees and plants. Some seeds exposed to extreme cold do not germinate or, if they do, germination is slower. In addition, many trees lose their flowers and fruit prematurely when confronted with extreme cold. It is important to note that damage associated with extreme cold can vary depending on the crop.

Preventing frots in a crop with a thermal woven blanket

Preventing extreme cold is an essential task for crop protection during the coldest times of the year. The thermal netting technique is an excellent way to deal with increased extreme cold, as it allows growers to ensure that the appropriate temperature is maintained. This, in turn, reduces cold stress on crops, which depend on proper temperature to maintain growth. Growers should select suitable thermal blanket materials to avoid extreme cold. These should be water resistant, as moisture can decrease the efficiency of the blanket by allowing cold to penetrate the crops. Cotton fabrics are also a good choice for keeping crops protected, as they are soft and resistant to extreme cold. Next, you must install your thermal netting correctly. It should be installed with an adequate amount of space between the netting and the crops to allow for warm air circulation and prevent extreme cold buildup.

You must also make sure the thermal blanket is securely attached to the structure to prevent shifting. Another important step in preventing extreme cold is to harvest crops before cold arrives. This is because any crop left in the field during cold will suffer damage due to low temperatures. Keep track of the temperature during cold weather. By harvesting crops before cold becomes too severe, growers can avoid significant damage. They should also be aware of the effects of wind, as it can redistribute the prepared cold. It is advisable to establish a small ditch to prevent the flow of cold air directly over the field, ensuring that the fruits are kept at a suitable temperature. This will also help to improve the efficiency of the thermal blanket, as it will allow for better insulation.