The urban heat island effect exacerbates heat stress, making temperatures feel hotter. A heat management plan for plants and animals is essential to ensure their health and well-being.
Col. JML Kapoor, who spends lots of his time taking care of plants, contributed some key strategies for summer care –
Watering: Water plants early in the morning/ late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Deep watering is more effective than frequent, shallow watering.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
Providing Shade: Use shade cloth, umbrellas, or place sensitive plants in naturally – shaded areas. Avoid using sprays and chemical fertilizers like NPK or urea.
Soil Improvement: Enhance soil quality with organic matter such as leaf compost. Use natural manures made from soaked onion, potato, and vegetable peels, as well as crushed eggshells for calcium. A mixture of sugar and yeast in water can also revive dying plants.
Container Plants: Ensure pots are large enough to prevent root overheating and move them to cooler areas.
Some strategies to keep pets and community dogs safe from heat –
Hydration: Ensure pets have access to fresh water. Carry a water bottle on walks. For community dogs, keep water bowls that are refilled regularly in shaded areas.
Shade and Cooling: Keep pets in indoor areas with fans/ air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. Community dogs instinctively move towards shaded shelters; keep the ground cool with regular watering.
Nutrition: Feed pets easily digestible meals; include wet food for hydration. Community dogs avoid overeating in peak summers; therefore, provide nutritious leftovers and place food during cooler times, like early morning/ late evening.
Health Precautions: Ensure pets have regular vet check-ups and parasite control. Call the free ambulance from SPCA if you see a community dog in stress due to the heat.
Exercise: Walk pets during cooler times of the day; protect their paws from hot pavements.
By following these steps, we can safeguard the health and safety of plants and animals during the summer heat.
