Winter Crisis: Do these things to protect fruit and vegetable crops from pollution
Winter Crisis: In North India, the winter season is crucial to agriculture. Fruit and vegetable crops are impacted both directly and indirectly by the substantial rise in air pollution that occurs during this time due to the drop in temperature. Pollution is increased by a number of factors, including cold air, stubble burning, vehicle smoke, industrial activity, and the blockage of pollutants on the surface. Crop quality, production, and health are significantly impacted by these variables.
Pollution’s Effects on Crops that produce Fruits and Vegetables
Impact on the process of photosynthesis
Wintertime fog and pollution prevent sunlight from reaching the ground, which impedes photosynthesis. Because they cannot produce their sustenance without light, plants’ growth and development are thus hindered.
Leaf damage
The atmosphere’s gases, which include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O2), harm the leaves’ surface. It results in early autumn, leaf withering, and a shortage of chlorophyll in crops. The plant can’t adequately produce its food.
Decline in Product Quality
The quality of fruits and vegetables is most affected by pollution. Lack of nutrients, taste changes, and a decline in market demand are all brought on by pollution. Additionally, the fruit varies in size, kind, and color.
A rise in Agricultural Illnesses
Pollution increases the impact of cold winds and humidity in the environment, which raises the risk of bacterial and fungal illnesses in crops. Diseases like downy mildew in cabbage and late blight in tomatoes and potatoes, for instance, spread more quickly.
Stress on Plants
Plants experience both biological and physical stress when exposed to high concentrations of contaminants, such as heavy metals (lead, cadmium). Their development cycle is impacted, and the amount of fruits and vegetables produced is decreased.
Reduced Fertility of the Soil
Both the land and the atmosphere are impacted by pollution. Pollutants from the atmosphere alter the pH of the soil when they fall on it, making it harder for plants to absorb nutrients.
Fruits and Vegetables that have Toxic Residues
Fruits and vegetables absorb toxic substances from the soil and environment as a result of pollution. They may thus be dangerous for ingestion by humans.
Crop Protection Strategies: Crops may be shielded from the impacts of pollution by using strategies like mulching, organic manure, and net houses.
Leaf Cleaning: Water may be sprayed on leaves to remove dust and other contaminants that have been collected on their surface.
Development of Disease-Resistant Cultivars: Using crop types that are resistant to pollution and disease may boost crop output.
Green Belt Creation: By putting green belts around the fields, the impact of pollution may be lessened.
Preserving the Natural Equilibrium: Reducing pollution may be achieved by encouraging afforestation, utilizing organic manure, and avoiding stubble burning.
Inform Farmers
Farmers must be warned via a variety of media not to burn stubble since doing so destroys the microorganisms that are found in the soil, which causes the soil to gradually deteriorate and get arid. The more microbes there are in the soil, the more living it is. The advantages of fertilizing dead soil are not fully realized, regardless of the amount of external fertilizer used.
