By now, the blistering California heat during July and August should be no surprise. Even as August becomes September, temperatures can be as high as the 100s. We know the blazing sun can be unbearable for residents and wildlife, but what about California’s agriculture? California crops include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and, as of 2021, the state’s agricultural exports totaled over $22 billion. Do these increasingly high temperatures pose a threat to California’s robust agricultural industry?
Protecting your harvest
The summer heat has a significant impact on California, and it can be damaging to agriculture. Most California crops that are exposed to direct sunlight will burn and blister, with fruit bearing plants shouldering some of the highest risk. Though these plants can help shade others and save them from the sunlight, many trees and other plants will drop their fruit prematurely in order to survive the heat.
Additionally, intense heat requires farms to use more water to keep the plants hydrated and healthy enough to make it to the next harvest. This process obviously drains California’s already depleted water supply, but is also an energy intensive process that could potentially overburden the electrical grid. Furthermore, between the loss of harvestable produce and expending resources to protect the plants, the summer heat can cause farmers increased financial strain. As climate change begins to wear on the environment, farmers and consumers alike will notice the effects on the quality and availability of produce.
Keeping the plants happy
The main strategy farmers use to combat the California heat is thorough watering but, as we’ve discussed, this is a strain on the agriculture industry and the state’s resources in and of itself. Having ways to combat high temperatures without dedicating exorbitant amounts of water and energy to the process is going to be crucial to maintaining California’s agricultural output in the coming years.
At Opti-Harvest, we believe that the efficient use of sunlight can help farmers increase their yield, improve their water and energy efficiency, and even reduce labor costs. Our family of products has been shown to help maximize production and optimize resource allocation by filtering out solar rays that inhibit growth. By exposing your crops selectively to sunlight, you can protect them from the intense heat without stunting their development. With Opti-Harvest you can keep your plants and employees happy while knowing that you’re doing your part to protect the environment.