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A microclimate is the climate
within a small, defined area, usually in the layer near the ground which
is possibly different from the area directly surrounding that can
dramatically affect the character of the
environmental condition (temperature,
exposure,
humidity,
drainage,
air movement etc)
A microclimate can be quite small (a protected recess next to the north-facing
side of a stone, for example is cooler and wet than the south-facing
side nearby) or may be extensive (a band extending several miles inland
from a large body of water
that moderates temperatures or a
woodland
habitat that is cooler, darker, and
less windy than an area of open land).
Microclimates can be caused by slope of the land,
soil type and colour,
fog,
exposure,
wind,
vegetation, hollows, structures,
proximity to bodies of water
and possibly many other factors.
The warmth and humidity of the
air in close proximity to a plant may
differ significantly from the general climate of the area around it. For
example many cactus and
succulents are frequently
found in close association with larger plants ("nurse
plants") this is a natural
phenomenon resulting from the shelter they offer. Since the partial
shading from surrounding bush may be
important in providing a favourable microclimate for
growth. Successful
seedlings tend to be found in
close proximity to shrubs,
trees, other
cacti, or
rocks. However, plants do occur out in
more open areas.
Internal microclimate may also been evident within a single individual
plant, for example the dense cover of
spines of certain
cactus provide to maintain an
internal microclimate for
thermoregulatory benefits by shading the
rounded or
ribbed stem from the blazing sun of
the desert where they dwell.
Microclimates play a significant role in
horticulture, as different
plant require different
growing conditions.
Microclimates can be used to the advantage of gardeners who carefully
choose and position their plants. For example
raised beds and terraces - like
hillside slopes - can warm and drain better than a flat ground,
especially if they are oriented toward the south.
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