Ulsan Agricultural Technology Center Urges Thorough Crop and Livestock Management to Prevent Winter Damage

The Ulsan Agricultural Technology Center recently urged thorough management due to concerns about cold damage to crops and livestock caused by continuous subzero temperatures.

For open-field vegetables (such as garlic and onions), it is generally recommended not to irrigate to prevent frost damage; however, if the soil is too dry and damage is likely, irrigation should be done on warm mornings, followed by ensuring sufficient drainage.

For greenhouse horticulture, when using internal heating devices (boilers, hot air blowers, etc.), safety rules must be strictly followed and regular inspections conducted to prevent accidents.

To prevent cold damage to fruit trees, rootstocks and main trunks should be coated up to 1 meter above the ground with non-woven fabric, rice straw, newspapers, water-based paint, or similar materials.

For weakened trees with insufficient stored nutrients, cultivation management that strengthens the tree by improving light conditions, balanced fertilization, and appropriate fruit setting is important to stabilize tree vigor.

For livestock, as energy required to maintain body temperature increases with dropping winter temperatures, feed amounts should be increased by 10%, and water should be supplied as warm water around 20℃. Especially when a cold wave is forecasted, calves should be dressed in protective clothing to maintain warmth.

With the onset of severe cold increasing the risk of livestock diseases such as avian influenza (AI) and Lumpy Skin Disease, thorough biosecurity and disinfection around livestock facilities must be maintained.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, “As severe cold waves raise concerns about damage to farms, we will actively promote crop management guidelines to minimize farm damage and strengthen on-site technical guidance to proactively respond to damage prevention.”

Ulsan Agricultural Technology Center has urged thorough management due to concerns about cold damage to crops and livestock. Photo by Ulsan City

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