Despite the onset of rain, several regions in the country, particularly in Yogyakarta, experienced hot weather and temperatures in the days leading up to it. This condition sparked community concern, prompting a deep dive into the prevailing weather dynamics.
Dr. Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho, an agricultural observer, agro climatologist, climate change expert, and lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology, delved into the atmospheric dynamics that culminated in the surge of heat leading up to the impending rainfall.
Factors such as El Nino, Positive Dipole Mode, and erratic rainfall distribution played a role.
“This surge in temperature undoubtedly impacts the vital process of photosynthesis, consequently influencing plant growth,” he said on Friday (Jan. 19).
Dr. Nugroho underscored the interconnection between weather and agriculture, characterizing it as symbiotic, where weather is a constant, necessitating human adaptation, particularly within agriculture.
Weather’s sway over agriculture is pivotal, representing atmospheric conditions within a specific timeframe and geographical area.
This means that in a narrow area, the weather conditions between one area and another will differ. Additionally, within a short period, these fluctuations will significantly affect agricultural cultivation.
“Beyond its consistency and rapid shifts in narrow regions, weather adheres to discernible patterns or cycles that perpetually recur,” he elaborated.
Temperature and rainfall are pivotal weather elements shaping agricultural endeavors, especially concerning water availability. Air temperature influences agricultural plant growth and development.
The surge in CO2 concentration due to climate change has bolstered photosynthesis efficiency, as plants utilize CO2 for this vital process. However, heightened temperatures can dampen chlorophyll and enzyme levels crucial for photosynthesis.
“In general, weather elements, especially temperature, affect the process of photosynthesis during gas exchange and stomatal opening and closing. High temperatures will reduce the amount of chlorophyll and enzymes that contribute to photosynthesis,” Bayu said.
Moreover, rain is closely related to leaf water availability and greatly influences the process of photosynthesis. If the amount of water decreases, chemical energy will be released, which will reduce the rate of photosynthesis. Additionally, carbohydrates used for leaf growth will also decrease.
“This is due to the increase in water availability along with leaf growth. Changes in rainfall patterns and extreme climate events that we have seen recently will certainly impact land resources and water availability,” he emphasized.
Some researchers have stated that extreme climate phenomena like El Nino or La Nina exacerbate crop failure and yield reduction, impeding productivity. It also results in damage to agricultural land resources and an increase in the frequency, extent, and intensity of drought.
Moreover, the oscillation profoundly impacts planting schedules and patterns, with delayed onset hindering crucial rice cultivation.
Growth and production are the results of photosynthesis and various plant physiologies. Photosynthesis, the beginning of plant life, is a physiological and physical process that converts solar energy (sunlight) into chemical energy in carbohydrates.
In addition to solar radiation, water availability, carbon dioxide concentration, and air temperature are important factors in respiration and several plant metabolic processes.
In addition to metabolic processes, various climate and weather elements, especially solar radiation, air temperature, and wind, influence rice plants’ seed or fruit filling and maturation.
Therefore, the quality and productivity of rice crops are greatly influenced during the seed or fruit filling and maturation phases.
“This is why we need to understand the role of weather elements in plant physiology, which ultimately affects the productivity and production of plants,” Dr. Nugroho concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Kompasiana.com