Explore how weather forecasting aids agriculture, supports smarter farming decisions, and minimizes risks from unpredictable weather. Assess your knowledge of weather's impact on crops and tools farmers use to adapt.
Which type of weather forecast helps farmers decide the best time to plant seeds by predicting conditions several days ahead?
Explanation: Short-term forecasts provide daily or weekly weather predictions, helping farmers plan planting activities effectively. Climatology reports show long-term climate trends but are less useful for daily decisions. Satellite imagery offers visual data but not direct forecasts. Historical data reveals past trends but doesn't predict future weather.
Why is accurate rainfall prediction important for agricultural planning, especially before transplanting rice seedlings?
Explanation: Rainfall forecasts let farmers adjust irrigation, conserving water and reducing cost. While rainfall can influence disease or grain size, prediction does not prevent disease or increase grain size directly. Rainfall itself, not prediction, can affect soil fertility over time.
If a farmer receives a frost warning, what is a recommended immediate action to protect sensitive crops like tomatoes?
Explanation: Covering plants shields them from frost damage. Additional fertilizers or pesticides do not guard against low temperatures. Harvesting at sunrise doesn't provide immediate protection from overnight frost.
Which modern tool do farmers often use to access up-to-date weather forecasts while working in the field?
Explanation: Mobile weather apps deliver timely forecasts directly to smartphones, aiding immediate decision-making. Analog rain gauges measure rainfall but don't predict weather. Almanacs provide general trends but lack real-time data. A field notebook doesn't provide forecasts.
Why might a farmer check wind forecasts before spraying pesticides on crops?
Explanation: Wind forecasts help avoid spraying pesticides when strong winds could carry chemicals to unintended areas. Wind prediction doesn't affect germination, leaf growth, or soil temperature directly.