MICRO-ENVIRONMENTS
What The Plant Doctor Ordered
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Shade cloth is providing wind protection
for these seedlings
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Very heavy shadecloth covering used to
protect a young bamboo from wind and frost
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A windbreak tree 6 months after
planting
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A well mulched grapevine showing grapevine
flowers and young berries
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Young rhubarb clump and asparagus
clump
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Early loquats can be produced if trees are
located near a wall which reflects sunlight
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A healthy pumpkin vine in a warm protected
environment
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Place early summer vegetables where they
can receive reflected heat from a wall
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Summer vegetables
Plant culture aims to create the best growing conditions for
crops. In order to achieve the best results farmers make
small-scale changes to the growing conditions for plants.
Microclimates
Small-scale changes create modified climates called
micro-climates or modified environments called micro-environments.
Features such as temperature, humidity, moisture levels, sunlight
and soil acidity can all be changed resulting in better growing
conditions for plants.
Plant nursery operators regularly advise customers about the
best way to look after a plant. For example, the location and type
of soil will have a big influence on the level of success a
gardener will achieve with any particular plant. In essence,
gardeners are being advised on how to create the best
microenvironment for that plant.
Keeping in mind the optimum requirements for a crop, the next
challenge comes when providing the required conditions in a
practical way. Matching the correct growing season when planting
will help to provide the broad climatic needs for the plant.
Wind,
Sunlight, Soil ...
Local conditions can then be modified further by making changes
to factors such as exposure to wind, sunlight and humidity. Farm
structures such as buildings will provide a range of environments
allowing a wider range of plants to be grown successfully.
North facing walls in the southern hemisphere trap more sunlight
and heat creating a warmer microclimate
Concrete or brick walls and paths will also radiate heat at
night keeping a frost prone area warmer. Shelter spots behind walls
and under trees will provide protection from excess heat in summer
and suit plants requiring cooler conditions. The shape and density
of windbreaks will also change the way in which wind moves around
these structures. A solid brick wall for example will cause wind to
swirl, while a more open structure composed of shade cloth or plant
vegetation will provide a more gentle flow of air.
Frost
Damage
Planting on hillsides will allow for an increase or decrease in
the level of sunlight received depending on the aspect or direction
chosen.
Hillside plantings generally have a reduced incidence of frost
during cold weather. Locations near the sea or lakes will also have
a reduced risk of frost damage due to the moderating influence of
water on temperature.
Inland locations will usually have a wider range of temperature
changes between day and night and may need more changes to the
microenvironment for success.
Soil
microenvironments
Soil cultivation and general cultural
activities such as the application of organic matter, lime and
gypsum will improve soils in relation the specified crop. Deep
ripping of soil before planting trees will also break up compacted
soils and rock layers allowing improved penetration of water and
plant roots. These activities usually result in improvements to the
soil microenvironment and lead to better plant growth.
Water and irrigation management, often
necessary for summer crops, modifies levels of moisture and air in
soil. Should there be an excess of moisture in winter provisions
for drainage may be required modifications in order to prevent soil
waterlogging and damage to plant roots.
Microenvironment And Hobby Farming
The range of modifications is endless and often takes time to
achieve. Getting the right mix of microenvironments requires
experience and patience. There is always a level of uncertainty
regarding weather and climate, disasters will always occur, but
good management can reduce these risks.
Getting the microenvironment right is well worth the effort. You
will be rewarded with a wider range of healthy plants that may not
normally grow in your area.
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