Effect of Wind on Crop Production      

Wind direction and velocity have significant influence on crop growth.

Beneficial impact of wind

Wind influences crop production in two ways

(1) Physiological impact
(2) Mechanical impact

(1) Physiological impact:

i. Increases transpiration especially cuticular transpiration than stomatal transpiration.
ii.   Hot wind accelerates the drying of the plants by replacing humid air by dry air in the inter cellular spaces.
For example, rice crop during June-July months shows tip drying.
iii. Wind increases turbulence in the atmosphere and availability of CO2 and thereby increased photosynthesis.
iv.   Beyond a certain wind speed the rate of photosynthesis becomes constant.

(2) Mechanical impact on plants:

            (i) Strong wind damages the shoots
            (ii) Lodging (Paddy, Sugarcane, Banana etc.,)
            (iii) Flower and fruit shedding
            (iv) Crops and trees with shallow roots are uprooted.
            (v) Cold wind causes chilling injuries
            (vi) Causes soil erosion
            (vii) Soil deposition causes poor aeration in root zone

Lodging due to strong winds

Uprooted tree due to strong wind

                                             
Protection of plants from wind damage:

(i) Shelter belts and wind breaks: Refers to growing trees and tall crops across the direction of prevailing wind to reduce the physiological and mechanical damage to crops. Wind breaks reduces the wind velocity and creates favourable microclimate.
(ii) Adjusting the direction of planting.
(iii) Providing support to the tall crops (eg) Banana.

Providing support to the tall crops (eg) Banana

Wind breakers

Source:
www.learningfromfarmers.com.au/members/strong/images/field.jpg
www.flickr.com
www.laspilitas.com