Relative humidity (RH) directly influences the water relations of plants and indirectly affects leaf growth, photosynthesis, pollination, and occurrence of diseases.
High humidity reduces transpiration, which can reduce nutrient uptake.
Disease Risk: High humidity (>80%) favors the spread of fungal diseases like blights and rots.
Pest Risk: Many pests thrive in specific humidity ranges. Aphids prefer drier conditions, while mites love heat.
Planning Farm Activities
Spraying PesticidesAvoid spraying if rain is forecast within the next 4-6 hours to prevent wash-off. Also, avoid spraying during high winds (>10 km/h) to prevent drift.
Irrigation SchedulingIf heavy rain is predicted, delay irrigation to save water and prevent waterlogging. In high heat, irrigate during the evening to minimize evaporation.