What does "Growing Degree Days" mean?
Table of Contents
Growing Degree Days (GDD) is a simple way to measure heat accumulation during the growing season. This measure helps us understand how weather affects plant growth.
How It Works
GDD counts the warm days needed for plants to grow. Instead of just looking at temperature, it adds up how many days are warm enough for plants to develop. This helps farmers and gardeners know the best times to plant seeds or harvest their crops.
Why It Matters
Using Growing Degree Days can guide people in farming and gardening. It helps predict when plants will bloom or produce fruit. This can lead to better planning, which means better yields and healthier plants.
Application in Mountain Areas
In mountain regions, temperature changes can be more extreme. With roads changing the local climate, understanding GDD can help reveal how these changes affect plant growth and the types of plants that thrive. This is important for protecting plant diversity in these unique environments.