8) enlarging aquatic production. 

 

Climate characteristics: “Shu” stands for hot, so “Xiao Shu” (Minor Heat) means hot, but not as hot as “Da Shu” (Great Heat). “Xiaoshu” (Minor Heat) often comes in the first half of July in Chinese lunar calendar, when we enter the “Fu” days (dog day), of which the middle “Fu” is the hottest. The average temperature might be 26-27 ℃, with the highest temperature being above 40 ℃. The amount of precipitation will be more than 90 millimeters, with several years (e.x.1961) above 350 mm, making it the wettest term of the whole year. Storms, thunders and hailstones might happen during this time, though in some years there might be summer droughts.

The prevailing farming activities during Minor Heat are:

1) enforcing flood control and drought relief;

2) improving the management of cotton fields;

3) singling, loosening the soil, topdressing, watering and killing insects for the late-autumn crops;

4) eradicating wild plants while putting great efforts into producing green manure;

5) planting autumn vegetables like radishes;

6) afforesting during the rainy season;

7) taking care of the livestock and cutting the grass;