Hurricane season in the Caribbean, is generally known as the months of July to December, where hurricanes that form off the coast of West of Africa, follow a westerly direction and approach the caribbean. These hurricanes often bring heavy rains and winds with them, that have to potential to destroy small ornamental plants and food crops, that may be grown for sale or personal use. It is then important for us to note, the ways in which we can reduce the loss to these crops during this time, to maximize yield and increase the security of the livlihoods of those who depend on the trade.
The most notable issue when looking at hurricanes and crops is the heavy rains. The rains brought on by hurricanes can cause the saturation of soil as well as increased surface runoff. In the case of soil saturation, the water enters the spaces in the soil and prevent air from circulating, which restricts air flow to crops. With regards to surface run off, water that can no longer enter the soil is forced to run along the surface, and, depending on the force of the water, it can break the above grond parts of the crops. Besides the amount of water, there is also the sheer force of the winds brought about by hurricanes. The winds during a hurricane can be anywhere upwards of 74 mph. This is more than enough force to blow down the small crops planted, which reduce the amount available for sale.
With the knowledge of what makes the hurricane season a difficult time for agriculture, it is now possible for us to now make suggestions to ways to reduce the losses based on these challanges. In this blog there will be various ways listed to increase the ability for farmers and agriculture enthusiasts to safeguard their crops against these challanges.
The most notable issue when looking at hurricanes and crops is the heavy rains. The rains brought on by hurricanes can cause the saturation of soil as well as increased surface runoff. In the case of soil saturation, the water enters the spaces in the soil and prevent air from circulating, which restricts air flow to crops. With regards to surface run off, water that can no longer enter the soil is forced to run along the surface, and, depending on the force of the water, it can break the above grond parts of the crops. Besides the amount of water, there is also the sheer force of the winds brought about by hurricanes. The winds during a hurricane can be anywhere upwards of 74 mph. This is more than enough force to blow down the small crops planted, which reduce the amount available for sale.
With the knowledge of what makes the hurricane season a difficult time for agriculture, it is now possible for us to now make suggestions to ways to reduce the losses based on these challanges. In this blog there will be various ways listed to increase the ability for farmers and agriculture enthusiasts to safeguard their crops against these challanges.
Damage to a farmer's crops in St. Kitts and Nevis caused by Heavy Winds
The following video highlights the impact that hurricane Maria had on Puerto Rico, which can serve as a potential indicator for damage that can occur on other islands in the Caribbean
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