In seedling cultivation, air temperature is a critical factor for the healthy growth and development of plants. Understanding how air temperature affects seedlings before and after planting is crucial for successful cultivation. In this article, we will examine the effects of air temperature on seedling development.
1. Effect of Temperature on Plant Growth
The ideal temperature range for seedlings to grow is between 15-30°C. In this temperature range, seedlings grow and develop healthily. However, when temperatures go above or below this range, plants can be adversely affected.
- Low Temperature: When the air temperature drops below 10°C, seedling growth slows down. Seedlings become weak and susceptible to disease. Root development can slow down and it is difficult for seedlings to get stronger.
- High temperature: Temperatures above 30°C cause stress to plants. Plants lose water, their leaves become yellow and dry. This reduces the productivity and threatens the health of the seedlings.
2. Effect of Air Temperature on Root Development
The roots of seedlings play a critical role in ensuring the plant's nutrient and water uptake. Air temperature has a direct impact on root development.
- Optimal Temperature: The ideal temperature range for healthy root development is 20-25°C. At these temperatures, roots are able to absorb sufficient nutrients and water.
- Low Temperature: At low temperatures, root development slows down, which affects the nutrient uptake of the seedlings. As a result, seedlings remain weak and their productivity decreases.
- Temperature Highs: In extreme heat, roots dry out and begin to rot. This makes it difficult for the plant to absorb nutrients and prevents healthy growth.
3. Effect of Air Temperature on Plant Stress
Temperature can increase the stress levels of plants. Extremely hot or cold weather negatively affects the development of seedlings.
- Stress Symptoms: Plants are stressed under extreme temperature conditions. This causes yellowing and shedding of leaves and general weakening. In addition, susceptibility to diseases increases.
- Climate Change: Global warming and climate change are causing air temperatures to become unstable. This creates uncertainties in growing agricultural crops. Farmers need to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate measures.
4. Relationship between Air Temperature and Irrigation
Air temperature also affects the irrigation needs of plants.
- High Temperature Irrigation: Plants need more water in hot weather. Water loss increases the stress level of plants. Therefore, when watering seedlings, it is important to water more frequently in hot weather.
- Low Temperature Watering: The need for watering decreases in cold weather. Overwatering can cause root rot. Therefore, you should adjust your irrigation schedule taking into account the weather temperatures.
5. Applications and Recommendations
You can take some precautions to support seedling development, taking into account the air temperature:
- Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the air temperature regularly. By recording temperature readings, you can anticipate temperature changes in advance.
- Use a Transparent Roof: If you are using a greenhouse, opt for transparent roofs to ensure temperature balance. It helps to let in sunlight and stabilize the temperature of the air.
- Shading: You can use shade cloths over the seedlings to protect them from extreme heat during the summer months. This helps to keep the plants cool.
Conclusion
Air temperature has a significant impact on seedling development. Providing the right temperature range contributes to the healthy and efficient growth of plants. As Ayer Tarım, we recommend you to optimize your seedling cultivation by taking weather conditions into account. Remember, with the right temperature management, you can get better quality and efficient products!