Agriculture & Ecology

Growing Degree Days Calculator

Calculate growing degree days (GDD) to predict crop development stages, plan planting schedules, and optimize harvest timing based on accumulated heat units.

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Corn (Maize) Requirements

Base Temperature: 10°C

Upper Threshold: 30°C

Maturity GDD: 1400 GDD

Track Crop Growth with Growing Degree Days

Growing Degree Days (GDD) measure accumulated heat that drives plant development. Unlike calendar days, GDD accounts for actual temperature conditions, providing a more accurate way to predict crop maturity and plan agricultural activities.

What Are Growing Degree Days?

Growing Degree Days (GDD), also called heat units, measure the amount of heat accumulated above a crop's base temperature. Plants require a certain amount of heat to progress through growth stages. By tracking GDD, farmers can predict when crops will reach key development milestones regardless of weather variations.

GDD Formula

GDD = [(T_max + T_min) / 2] - T_base

Why Use Growing Degree Days?

Accurate Predictions

Predict crop development stages more accurately than calendar-based methods.

Optimal Timing

Time pesticide applications, irrigation, and harvest for maximum effectiveness.

Compare Seasons

Compare growing conditions across different years and locations.

How to Calculate GDD

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Common Applications

Corn Production

Track corn development from planting to harvest using base 50°F.

Pest Management

Predict insect emergence and time treatments effectively.

Harvest Planning

Estimate harvest dates based on accumulated heat units.

Variety Selection

Choose crop varieties suited to your region's GDD accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The base temperature is the minimum temperature below which a crop doesn't develop. For corn, it's typically 50°F (10°C). Temperatures below this don't contribute to GDD accumulation.