Preventive measures against forest fires to protect crops

Chile

Thursday 15 February 2024

Chile's agricultural sector is on alert for forest fires, although so far, there have been no reports from farmers of smoke damage to their facilities, according to Fedefruta. However, to protect crops from the adverse effects of smoke and ash, several preventive measures can be taken (photo: portalagrochile.cl).

Chile's agricultural sector is on alert for forest fires, although so far, there have been no reports from farmers of smoke damage to their facilities, according to Fedefruta.

However, producers have expressed concern about the impact of smoke on nearby orchards. To protect crops from the adverse effects of smoke and ash, several preventive measures can be taken:

Use of Coverings: Employ special netting or coverings to protect crops from direct contact with smoke and ash, reducing the absorption of volatile compounds that affect fruit quality.

Irrigation: Increase the frequency of irrigation, without exceeding the water needs of the plant, to wash ash from the soil and plants, while maintaining a good ambient humidity level that can dilute smoke compounds.

Plant cleaning: It is beneficial to gently spray water over plants after exposure to smoke and ash, to remove ash particles. It is important not to damage fruit and leaves.

Soil Management: Use soil management techniques such as mulching to reduce ash resuspension and protect the soil surface from contamination, thus preserving irrigation water quality.

Monitoring and Analysis: Conduct air and soil quality analysis in affected areas to assess the presence of harmful compounds from smoke, which will help determine specific treatment or mitigation needs.

Professional Advice: Consult with technical advisors and agricultural experts for tailored recommendations on how to protect crops based on local conditions and the characteristics of individual fruits.

Emergency Plans: Implement emergency plans for crop management in case of fire, as well as safe and rapid evacuation strategies for farmers, if necessary.

Taking these measures can help minimise the impact of ash and smoke on crops, ensuring the safety and quality of seasonal fruit and vegetable production.

fuente: fedefruta.cl