Climatic Zone for Horticulture Crops

The climatic zones of horticultural crops are broadly categorized based on temperature, rainfall, humidity, and light conditions. These zones play a crucial role in determining which crops can be successfully grown in a particular region. The main climatic zones include:

1. Tropical Zone

• Climate Characteristics:
  • Hot and humid climate throughout the year.
  • Mild winter temperatures (if any), never falling below freezing.
  • High annual rainfall, though some areas may have dry seasons.
• Key Crops:
  • Mango
  • Papaya
  • Banana
  • Pineapple
  • Cashew
  • Coconut
  • Sapota (Chikoo)
  • Guava
  • Cocoa
• Climate Requirements:
  • High temperatures and humidity, suitable for evergreen plants.
  • Cannot tolerate frost or cool temperatures.

2. Sub-Tropical Zone

• Climate Characteristics:
  • Mild winters and hot summers.
  • Moderate to low rainfall, but more predictable than tropical regions.
  • Generally characterized by dry summers and cooler winters compared to tropical zones.
• Key Crops:
  • Citrus (e.g., Orange, Lemon, Lime)
  • Pomegranate
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Apples (in low-lying areas)
  • Phalsa
• Climate Requirements:
  • Intermediate temperatures between tropical and temperate regions.
  • Can tolerate some cold but not extreme frost.

3. Temperate Zone

• Climate Characteristics:
  • Cold winters with temperatures falling below freezing.
  • Well-defined seasons, including a dormant period for fruit trees.
  • The trees require a chilling period in winter to break dormancy and resume growth in spring.
• Key Crops:
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Strawberries
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
• Climate Requirements:
  • Cold winters with freezing temperatures.
  • A chilling period for dormancy and growth cycle completion.
  • Requires distinct seasons, with adequate rainfall or irrigation during growing months.

4. Arid Zones

• Climate Characteristics:
  • Very low and erratic rainfall, with a high evaporation rate.
  • Extreme temperatures (very hot summers and cool winters).
  • Poor soil fertility and shallow, sandy soils, making water retention difficult.
• Key Crops:
  • Ber (Indian Jujube)
  • Date Palm
  • Grapes (in some dry areas with irrigation)
  • Pomegranate (in dry regions)
• Climate Requirements:
  • Drought-resistant crops that can tolerate long dry spells.
  • Require water-efficient irrigation systems and heat tolerance.

5. Cool Temperate or Alpine Zones

• Climate Characteristics:
  • Very cold climates, with severe winters and short growing seasons.
  • May experience snow and frost throughout the year.
• Key Crops:
  • Apples (certain varieties)
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Currants
  • Blueberries
• Climate Requirements:
  • Cold-resistant crops with a short growing season.
  • Can tolerate frost and require cooler conditions for fruit development.

Summary of Climatic Zones: