Gokseong-gun Distributes Facilities to Prevent Fruit Tree Frost Damage

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) announced on the 22nd that it will promote a pilot project to disseminate frost damage prevention technology for fruit trees using existing irrigation facilities.

As the flowering period is getting earlier each year, this year the cherry blossoms bloomed more than half a month earlier than usual, marking the fastest bloom ever recorded since observations began.

While this is welcomed by visitors, farmers have mixed feelings. The flowering period of fruit trees is also advancing, making the risk of frost damage constant. Due to the rising temperatures, fruit trees bloom quickly, but in early April, the temperature can drop below freezing overnight for a day or two, potentially ruining a year’s worth of crops.

To address frost damage, methods such as fine sprinkling or air circulation devices can be used. However, since the facility costs can reach tens of millions of won, it is not easy for farmers to afford.

Accordingly, Gokseong-gun is promoting a low-cost frost damage prevention technology for fruit trees using existing irrigation facilities through a national pilot project by the Rural Development Administration this year. The method introduced by Gokseong-gun connects a wood-fired boiler and an irrigation tank to the existing sprinklers. The basic facility can be installed at a cost of about 4 to 5 million won, which is an advantage.

The operating principle is simple. First, the boiler is started the night before a temperature drop is expected to prepare hot water at 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. When the temperature in the orchard reaches 0℃, lukewarm water mixed with hot and cold water is sprayed. Frost damage usually occurs around minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, but spraying lukewarm water helps maintain the orchard temperature above freezing, preventing frost damage.

This year, Gokseong-gun will provide the facilities to 10 farms affiliated with the Gokseong Pear Farming Association Corporation. Afterwards, they plan to collect feedback from the pilot farms to find improvements and expand the application to other crops such as apples and cherries.

A county official said, “Due to recent climate change, the crop cultivation environment is rapidly changing. We will actively promote technology dissemination suited to our county’s geographical characteristics and environment.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.