Lily Pattinson
New member
The following was recently copied from a How-To guide on the internet.
What is wrong with the stated reason for why this technique works to protect the fruit trees from frost?
"Most fruits are developing during the fall and spring and can be irreparably damaged by the effects of the frost. Frost forms ice crystals on the outside of the plants. This pulls moisture out of the plant causing dehydration in a localized area. The frost also penetrates inside the plant cells, rupturing them. Some farmers will use a technique that calls for spraying the trees with water to help lessen the damage of frost. This is normally done late in the evening so the water will still be on the plant when temperatures drop to freezing. This creates a layer of ice on the outside of the plant, which keeps the moisture inside the leaves and fruit from being hit by the frost. Also, the water's evaporation generates heat. Spraying or keeping the soil around the trees damp can also stave off frost, because damp soil retains heat, and evaporating water generates heat. This warm flow will radiate upward, protecting the trees from frost by keeping the air around the trees at a higher temperature."
What is wrong with the stated reason for why this technique works to protect the fruit trees from frost?
"Most fruits are developing during the fall and spring and can be irreparably damaged by the effects of the frost. Frost forms ice crystals on the outside of the plants. This pulls moisture out of the plant causing dehydration in a localized area. The frost also penetrates inside the plant cells, rupturing them. Some farmers will use a technique that calls for spraying the trees with water to help lessen the damage of frost. This is normally done late in the evening so the water will still be on the plant when temperatures drop to freezing. This creates a layer of ice on the outside of the plant, which keeps the moisture inside the leaves and fruit from being hit by the frost. Also, the water's evaporation generates heat. Spraying or keeping the soil around the trees damp can also stave off frost, because damp soil retains heat, and evaporating water generates heat. This warm flow will radiate upward, protecting the trees from frost by keeping the air around the trees at a higher temperature."