The temperature sum (heat sum) is a statistical measure from Meteorology. It allows for the comparison of different regions or years based on temperature. The growth and development of plants, insects, and other invertebrates largely depend on the ambient temperature. Many organisms slow down or block their growth and development when temperatures rise or fall above or below certain threshold values. All plants require an individual temperature sum to be ready for blossoming. The accumulation of thermal energy over a specific period is referred to as growth degree days or temperature sums. The sum of all daily average values results in the temperature sum.

The map shows the average annual temperature for the period 1961 to 1990 based on the Climatic Research Unit (University of East Anglia). The minimum and...
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