The effects of hot weather on agriculture

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Baktır , Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of Cyprus International University (CIU),  noted that the world has been destroyed more than ever before, and added that especially in the last 50 years, habitat degradation, fragmentation and pollution have been human-induced. Natural disasters such as forest fires, rapid melting of glaciers, landslides and soil erosion, well as floods are the result of human irresponsibility.

Baktır pointed out that irresponsible construction and unplanned settlements are among the other factors that trigger global warming, and that “during these past 10 days, temperatures of 40 degrees and above have been recorded in many parts of the world, including Western European countries. The ecological balance has been disturbed and the temperatures are causing the death of many people," 

Baktır said that agricultural activities are also adversely affected by the increasing temperatures, and said, “Even temperature increases of one or two degrees in summer affect agriculture negatively. Plants have certain tolerance limits against heat as well as cold.”

Baktır explained that plants’ tolerating certain temperatures is called threshold value, and if the temperature increase continues for a long time above the threshold values, the plants will be exposed to temporary or permanent wilting.

Baktır stated that plants lose their resistance even in temporary wilting and said, "The harvest is seriously damaged in terms of amount and quality, and even loses its marketing value."

Stating that it is not possible for the plants to come back to life in case of permanent wilting, Baktır said, “Therefore, water should not be given to the plants during daytime in hot weather. Irrigation should be done early in the morning or late in the evening.

Baktır stated that irrigation during the day causes the plants to scald, and also reminded that most of the water given during these hours evaporate.

Baktır also gave advice on what should be done in the country under  these conditions, and noted that it is important to plant live windbreakers along roads and around large lands such as cypress and hawthorn which require little water.

Baktır said, "The production of natural plants such as carob, olive and asparagus should be given priority, and the production of plants such as barley that can be harvested before the summer heat starts should be brought to the forefront."

Pointing out the importance of encouraging the cultivation of succession crops near the Haspolat-Balıkesir treatment plants, Baktır said, “Although it is too late, rainwater harvesting should be made mandatory on the island as soon as possible, ponds throughout the island should be rehabilitated and filled in winter, and forestation efforts should be given the attention they need.”

Dean Baktır stated that those who burn stubble, burn forests by arson and throw cigarette butts out of their vehicles should be punished so as to enforce deterrence.

Pointing out that nature cannot be protected only with punishments and practices, Baktır said, "Nature awareness and practical education should be instilled in young people at every stage of education, starting from primary schools to university."