The Effect of Climate on Protected Agriculture in Maysan Governorate

Abstract

Protected agriculture is considered one of the most critical modern farming methods in the study area. It contributes to stimulating the local income and raising the living standards by providing essential food products for the population. Therefore, this study was conducted under the title: (A Geographic Analysis of Climatic Characteristics Affecting Protected Agriculture in Maysan Governorate). Data was collected regarding greenhouses and plastic tunnels, revealing that the total number reached 2,461 plastic tunnels and 22 greenhouses, respectively. Climatic factors directly influence crop cultivation and growth within protected environments. It was found that solar radiation, particularly during the winter season, is generally sufficient for such types of agriculture in terms of the growth season and its alignment with the amount of incoming solar radiation within the study area.

On the other hand, temperatures are suitable for many crops grown under protected cultivation. However, they are not without some extreme drops below their normal rates for a few days. This forces farmers to provide heating methods, such as electric heaters inside greenhouses and tunnels, to mitigate these negative impacts. As for rainfall, its amounts during the winter season are fluctuating in quantity and timing; thus, it cannot be relied upon for irrigation, and its contribution remains very limited, only helping to reduce the frequency of irrigation cycles. Meanwhile, humidity levels are often suitable, yet any fluctuations or increases can negatively affect protected crops, causing direct damage to the plant or indirect harm by providing an environment conducive to many viral diseases. Consequently, this type of agriculture heavily relies on daily monitoring of climatic conditions inside plastic greenhouses and tunnels, alongside maintaining the structures from inside and outside to sustain the production process.