Farmers surround the fields with hedgerows during high insolation peri

Farmers surround the fields with hedgerows during high insolation period to:

[amp_mcq option1=”prevent the reduction in photosynthetic activity.” option2=”reduce evapotranspiration.” option3=”create conditions for plants to close their stomata.” option4=”prevent wilting of plants.” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2020

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Farmers surround fields with hedgerows during high insolation periods (which often coincide with hot, dry, and potentially windy conditions) primarily to reduce evapotranspiration. Hedgerows act as windbreaks, lowering wind speed over the field, which in turn reduces both evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration from the plants.

– Evapotranspiration is the combined loss of water from the soil surface by evaporation and from plants by transpiration.
– High wind speed increases the rate of both evaporation and transpiration.
– By reducing wind speed, hedgerows decrease the rate of water loss from the field, helping to conserve soil moisture and reduce plant water stress.

– Reducing evapotranspiration is particularly important during periods of high insolation and temperature when water demand is high.
– While reducing water stress can indirectly help prevent wilting and support photosynthesis, the direct mechanism addressed by reduced wind speed is the reduction of water loss through evapotranspiration.
– Hedgerows also provide habitat for wildlife and can help prevent soil erosion.

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