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How can sprinklers protect crops from frost?

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Large wheeled irrigation sprinkler sprays water over green crops in a field, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background. — Irrigation Specialized irrigation equipment watering crops in a field.

Sprinkler irrigation protects crops from frost through the process of latent heat release. When water is applied continuously to plants during freezing conditions, it begins to freeze on the surface of the leaves.12

The phase change of water from liquid to ice releases a significant amount of heat. This released heat is absorbed by the plant tissues, which helps maintain the temperature of the leaves at approximately 32° F (0° C). Because the cell sap within plants contains sugars and other substances, the actual freezing point of the plant cells is slightly lower than that of pure water, allowing the plants to remain protected from injury as long as the water continues to freeze.21

It is essential that the water supply remains continuous throughout the duration of the frost to ensure the ongoing release of heat.12