PUNE: The land surface temperature in some parts of the state rose from 38 degree Celsius in the first week of May to above 50 degree Celsius by the third week of the month, leading to depletion of soil microbes and moisture, a study by Watershed Organization Trust’s Center for Resilience Studies has shown.
Experts say that this drastic increase in the land surface temperature can affect the crop yield.
Soil microorganisms are responsible for the release of most nutrients from organic matter. “When microbes decompose organic matter, they use the carbon and nutrients in the organic matter for their own growth, releasing additional nutrients into the soil to be absorbed by plants. If the organic matter When the nutrient content is low, the microorganisms take up the nutrients and meet their requirements, affecting crop productivity,” said an expert.
The study found that several regions such as Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan and parts of western Maharashtra were significantly affected by rising land surface temperatures. As the Earth’s surface temperature rises, the surrounding air absorbs the heat, causing a subsequent rise in atmospheric temperature. This creates favorable conditions for heatwaves, the study said.
Dr Marcella D’Souza, director of the Watershed Organization Trust’s Center for Resilience Studies, said, “The temperature of any given week and year depends on the rainfall preceding that period.” Were. To rain in April.”
“Unless the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil are maintained, crop production will not be optimum,” said DB Fonde, a former soil scientist and a senior scientist at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute.
Due to lack of moisture in the soil, farmers are forced to delay sowing. “Maintaining soil moisture and physical and chemical properties without microbes affects crop yield as farmers are forced to add fertilizers to soil for good yield.”
Experts say that this drastic increase in the land surface temperature can affect the crop yield.
Soil microorganisms are responsible for the release of most nutrients from organic matter. “When microbes decompose organic matter, they use the carbon and nutrients in the organic matter for their own growth, releasing additional nutrients into the soil to be absorbed by plants. If the organic matter When the nutrient content is low, the microorganisms take up the nutrients and meet their requirements, affecting crop productivity,” said an expert.
The study found that several regions such as Vidarbha, Marathwada, Konkan and parts of western Maharashtra were significantly affected by rising land surface temperatures. As the Earth’s surface temperature rises, the surrounding air absorbs the heat, causing a subsequent rise in atmospheric temperature. This creates favorable conditions for heatwaves, the study said.
Dr Marcella D’Souza, director of the Watershed Organization Trust’s Center for Resilience Studies, said, “The temperature of any given week and year depends on the rainfall preceding that period.” Were. To rain in April.”
“Unless the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil are maintained, crop production will not be optimum,” said DB Fonde, a former soil scientist and a senior scientist at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute.
Due to lack of moisture in the soil, farmers are forced to delay sowing. “Maintaining soil moisture and physical and chemical properties without microbes affects crop yield as farmers are forced to add fertilizers to soil for good yield.”