Meteorology
The word meteorology has been derived from the greek words "meteors" means " things up above" and "logos" means study or science. Hence the meaning of meteorology is the study of things up above the earth.Definition:-
Meteorology is the science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting.
Agrometeorology is the study of weather and use of weather and climate information to enhance or expand agricultural crops and/or to increase crop production. Agrometeorology mainly involves the interaction of meteorological and hydrological factors, on one hand and agriculture, which encompasses horticulture, animal husbandry, and forestry.
Horticulture is strongly influenced by climatic variations, however small.
Importance of Meteorology
1.Human Life:
Human being tries to acclimatize himself with the prevailing weather conditions, for this they manage for type of clothing, housing food habit etc.
2. Industry:
Many industries for their raw material depend on agricultural produce and accordingly location of industry is decided, so it is necessary to consider the weather and climate e.g. sugar mill, distillery, jute mill etc.
3. Commerce:
Trading of any item is made according to need of the people in relation to weather prevailing e.g. Gum shoes, umbrella and raincoats are generally traded in rainy season only, woolen cloths in winter season and white cotton cloths. Cold drinks etc. are in more demand in summer season.
4. Human health:
If any sudden change in the climatic conditions is experienced it results into equdemics of material fever. Asthma patent suffers more during cloudy conditions.
5. Animal Production:
Beef, poultry and milk production also depend on weather and meteorology provides the information for successful animal production and animal husbandry.
Weather and Climate
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate is the term for the statistics of atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time.When used without qualification, "weather" is generally understood to mean the weather of Earth.
Agro climatic zones of india
A) Agro Climatic Zone in Andhra Pradesh
1. North Coastal Zone
2. Godavari Zone
3. Krishna Zone
4. Southern zone
5. Northen Telangana zone
6. Central Telangana zone
7. Southren Telangana zone
8. Scarce Rainfall Zone
9. High Altitude & Tribal Area
B) agro climatic zone of maharashtra
1. South Konkan ---vengurla
2. North Konkan--karkam
3. Western ghat zone--gatpuri
4. Sub. Montane zone--Kolhapur
5. Western Maharashtra plain zone--Pune
6. Western Maharashtra scarcity zone-- Solapur
7. Central Maharashtra plateau zone--Aurangabad
8. Central Vidarbha zone--Yavatmal
9. Eastern Vidarbha zone--sindhewadi
C) Agroclimatic zones of Rajasthan
1. Arid western plains--Barmer,Barmer A
2. Flood prone eastern Plains--Alwar
3. Humid south eastern Plains--Baran 4.Humid southern plains--Banswara 5.Hyper arid partially Irrigated zone--Jaisalmer
6. Internal drainage dry--Jhunjhunu
7. Semi arid eastern plains--Ajmer,Jaipur
8. Sub-humid southern Plains-Chittorgarh
9. Transitional plain of Luni basin--Jodhpur
10. Irrigated north western plains--Sriganga nagar
D) Agroclimatic zones of jammu and kashmir
1. Sub tropical zone
2. Intermediate zone
3. Temperate zone
4. Cold arid zone
Air Temperature
Air temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the air is. It is the most commonly measured weather parameter. More specifically, temperature describes the kinetic energy, or energy of motion, of the gases that make up air. As gas molecules move more quickly, air temperature increases.
Air temperature affects the growth and reproduction of plants and animals, with warmer temperatures promoting biological growth. Air temperature also affects nearly all other weather parameters. For instance, air temperature affects:
the rate of evaporation relative humidity wind speed and directionprecipitation patterns and types, such as whether it will rain, snow, or sleet.
Moisture
Moisture refers to the presence of a liquid, especially water, often in trace amounts. Small amounts of water may be found, for example, in the air (humidity), in foods, and in various commercial products. Moisture also refers to the amount of water vapour present in the air.
Soil Temperature
Soil temperature is simply the measurement of the warmth in the soil. Ideal soil temperatures for planting most plants are 65 to 75 F. (18 to 24 C.). Nighttime and daytime soil temperatures are both important.
Determining soil temperatures for a compost bin is also done in the morning. The bin should maintain at least 60 F. (16 C.) bacteria and organisms to do their work. Ideal Soil Temperatures for Planting The perfect temperature for planting varies dependent upon the variety of vegetable or fruit. Planting before it is time can reduce fruit set, stunt plant growth and prevent or reduce seed germination. Plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and snap peas benefit from soils at least 60 F (16 C.). Sweet corn, lima beans and some greens need 65 degrees F. (18 C.) Warmer temperatures into the 70s (20s C.) are required for watermelon, peppers, squash, and at the higher end, okra, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes.
Evapo-Transpiration
Evapotranspiration (ET) is the sum ofevaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to theatmosphere. Evaporation accounts for the movement of water to the air from sources such as the soil, canopy interception, andwaterbodies. Transpiration accounts for the movement of water within a plant and the subsequent loss of water as vapor throughstomata in its leaves. Evapotranspiration is an important part of the water cycle. An element (such as a tree) that contributes to evapotranspiration can be called anevapotranspirator.
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| (Diagram from Google Credits goes to Google) |
Reference evapotranspiration (ET0), sometimes incorrectly referred to as potential ET, is a representation of the environmental demand for evapotranspiration and represents the evapotranspiration rate of a short green crop (grass), completely shading the ground, of uniform height and with adequate water status in the soil profile. It is a reflection of the energy available to evaporate water, and of the wind available to transport the water vapour from the ground up into the lower atmosphere. Actual evapotranspiration is said to equal reference evapotranspiration when there is ample water. Some US states utilize a full cover alfalfa reference crop that is 0.5 m in height, rather than the short green grass reference, due to the higher value of ET from the alfalfa reference.
Weather Forecasting
Weather forecasting is the prediction of what the atmosphere will be like in a particular place by using technology and scientific knowledge to makeweather observations. In other words, it's a way of predicting things like cloud cover, rain, snow, wind speed and temperature before they happen
Types of Weather Forecasting
Short-range forecasts are predictions made between one and seven days before they happen. Medium-range forecasts are usually given between one week and four weeks in advance. Long-range forecasts are given between one month and a year in advance. The further into the future you are trying to predict, the harder it is to be sure. Longer-range forecasts are only useful if the forecaster says how likely he or she believes it is that the prediction is accurate. This is called a level of confidence. For example, a forecaster may predict rain next Tuesday with a 90% level of confidence. Short-range forecasts are far more accurate than medium- or long-range ones.
