Effect of Root Zone Temperature on the Winter Grown Vegetable through External Heating Systems in Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is impacting our crop production cycle, which causes food insecurity and mal nutrient food produced. Climate change is making living difficult and increasing poverty. Food insecurity is referred to as the national security of the country because without food humans can’t survive. In Pakistan, demand for vegetables increased in the cold region due to the low production of vegetables in that area. However, the very low temperatures with inadequate light and weather conditions had a substantial impact on horticulture production during the winter season in Pakistan. Due to these extremely cold conditions, plants experience temperature stress. To mitigate the risk of food insecurity and to help the farmer grow the plant in an unfavorable environment. There’s a need to understand the elements which have an impact on the growth of the plant. A critical factor influencing plant growth and development is the root zone temperature (RZT). Instead of heating the entire greenhouse, heating the root zone is a prime opportunity. In Pakistan, with its diverse climate and substantial temperature fluctuations, effective management of RZT is vital for ensuring optimal vegetable growth. This study aims to assess the impact of RZT on the growth of carrots (Daucus carota) through an external heating source in the greenhouse and to study the morphological changes that occurred during plant growth in different temperature conditions. Experiments were carried out in a greenhouse at ASAB, NUST Islamabad from December 2022 to March 2023, all initial data available were recorded including the quality of the seed and soil types. During the experiment, a control system was used to monitor and adjust the root zone heating system. Recognizing the significant potential of root zone temperature management using external heating systems is crucial in addressing these challenges and improving vegetable growth and yield, particularly during the winter season. By maintaining optimal RZT, these systems can effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of the country's diverse climate and extreme temperature variations, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity and enhanced food security. Extensive research consistently highlights the well-established connection between RZT and crop yield. Crops grown under optimal RZT conditions consistently outperform those subjected to suboptimal conditions in terms of growth, and development. Therefore, efficient strategies for managing RZT are indispensable for the success and profitability of vegetable production, especially in regions with challenging climatic conditions like Pakistan.