A severe pala is forecast and my mustard is flowering. What can I do to save the crop overnight.
How do I protect mustard and chana from frost during a cold wave in north India?
SShyam Lal Saini6mo ago · 242 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Frost damages flowering mustard and podding chana badly, so the main protective steps are to give a light irrigation when frost is forecast since moist soil holds heat, and to create smoke in the early morning hours on the windward side to reduce radiative cooling. A foliar spray of a recommended product or even a dilute spray can give some protection, and avoiding very early sowing keeps the crop out of the worst frost window. Watch the IMD and agromet cold-wave advisories closely. Confirm specific measures with your KVK as effectiveness depends on severity and field conditions.
BBhagchand Saini6mo ago
On frost nights I run a light irrigation in the evening and make smoke before dawn. It has saved my mustard flowers more than once.
HHari Singh Saini6mo ago
The light irrigation before the frost night is the most reliable thing in my experience, the wet soil releases warmth and the field stays a touch warmer than the dry plots nearby. I always keep an eye on the cold-wave forecast and water in the evening when pala is expected.
MMadan Lal Jat6mo ago
For the smoke, time it for the coldest hours just before sunrise when the frost actually settles, not too early in the night. I burn damp leaves and crop waste on the upwind side so the smoke drifts across the field. Lighting it too early in the evening wastes the material before the danger hour comes.