The winter solstice is one of the shortest nights of the year, marking the beginning of the sun's movement northward and gradually rising. This is an important moment for farmers, as it marks the beginning of winter and a critical time to prepare for agricultural production in the coming year. According to the Chinese agricultural proverb, "a frost on the winter solstice, there will be no famine in the coming year", and the wisdom of the ancients is not without benefit.
The main purpose of the ancient proverb is to express the relationship between the climatic phenomena around the winter solstice and agricultural production. The winter solstice serves as one of the solar terms that perceive the change of seasons, and a patch of frost means that the weather is starting to be cold and dry. Before the winter solstice, farmers must complete a lot of preparations to ensure that the farmland is adequately protected, such as mulching and waterproofing. According to the proverb, a patch of frost after the winter solstice means that the farmland will remain moist for the coming year, thus aiding the growth of crops.
After the winter solstice, the fields become dormant, which also gives farmers the opportunity to make corrections and prepare for a new round of germination. Typically, the amount of snowfall in winter is crucial for the growth of crops. Enough snowfall can conserve moisture, cover farmland from the cold, and more importantly, prevent frost in the soil. Therefore, the amount of snowfall and weather conditions after the winter solstice are among the key factors in predicting the next year's harvest.
"The appearance of a patch of frost" means:
1. Temperature below freezing: This is the basic condition for the formation of frost, saturated water vapor in the air will condense into ice crystals when it encounters objects with a temperature below freezing, and then form frost.
2. Humid air: Sufficient water vapor is required for frost formation, and the relative humidity in the air is high, which is conducive to the formation of frost.
Therefore, the appearance of a patch of frost usually means that the temperature of the surrounding environment is lower and the air is relatively humid, which may form at night or in the morning when it is colder. The formation of frost protects plants from frost damage because it can form a protective layer on the surface, slowing down the rate of decline in the plant's body surface temperature. But for humans, the appearance of frost may bring traffic safety problems, because frost on the road can easily lead to skidding and increase the risk of traffic accidents.
The process of frost formation causes the surface temperature of the plant to drop sharply, causing the water in the plant cells to freeze. This can cause damage to the plant, causing the leaves and shoots to become dehydrated, wilt, and die. In addition, frost can also affect the growth and development of plants as it inhibits life processes such as photosynthesis and cell division.
The effect of frost on animals is also evident. For example, in the face of frost, insects and small animals may not be able to find enough food and water, eventually leading to their death. For wildlife, frost can cause food shortages in some areas, which can force them to migrate to other areas in search of food. In addition, in the polar regions, frost can also have an impact on the circulatory and respiratory systems of animals.
The effects of frost on plants and animals are very serious, here are some ways to mitigate the effects of frost:
The first is to plant plants that are suitable for the local climatic conditions, and adopt the right planting method and time to reduce the impact of frost. For example, choosing plants that grow shorter and have denser foliage can reduce the damage of frost to plants.
The second is to spray salt water on the surface of the plant, which can increase the surface temperature of the plant and reduce the impact of frost. In addition, before the frost, the surface of the plant can be covered with materials such as plastic sheeting or straw to reduce heat loss.
The third is that before the frost comes, the animals can be provided with enough food and water to ensure that they have enough energy and water to maintain their body temperature and survive during the frost.
Fourth, anti-frost agents can be used, which are chemicals that can reduce the temperature of water condensation on the surface of plants, thereby reducing the effects of frost. However, the use of anti-frost agents requires attention to the method of use and dosage so as not to pollute the environment.
In conclusion, mitigating the effects of frost on plants and animals requires a range of measures, including the selection of suitable varieties, the appropriate planting methods and timing, the spraying of brine, the mulching of materials, the provision of adequate food and water, and the use of frost protection agents.