Disking the orchard threw up a moist layer of soil that acted as insulation. This reduced both radiant and conductive transfer of heat to the air around the trees. This practice, however, is very beneficial for vegetables. Plowing fields when freezing temperatures are expected will help insulate and maintain higher temperatures around the roots and base of the crop. This can help save crops, particularly root and bulb crops like carrots and onions.
Irrigation can also be an effective method of preventing freeze damage.
Continuously running an overhead irrigation system during freezing weather can help reduce or eliminate freeze damage. As water freezes, it gives off heat, causing slightly higher temperatures adjacent to the freezing water. This method should only be used with an irrigation system that can handle the ice loads that will develop. Center-pivot systems do not have the structural strength to withstand these kinds of loads. Portable impact sprinklers, portable pipe, and fixed pipe systems are best able to withstand these loads.