scholarly journals Crop-climate feedbacks boost U.S. maize and soy yields

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan David Coffel ◽  
Corey Lesk ◽  
Jonathan M Winter ◽  
Erich C Osterberg ◽  
Justin Staller Mankin
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Extreme Heat ◽  
Climate Feedback ◽  
Climate Feedbacks ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Cooling Effects ◽  
Heat Extremes ◽  
Soy Production

Abstract U.S. maize and soy production have increased rapidly since the mid-20th century. While global warming has raised temperatures in most regions over this time period, trends in extreme heat have been smaller over U.S. croplands, reducing crop-damaging high temperatures and benefiting maize and soy yields. Here we show that agricultural intensification has created a crop-climate feedback in which increased crop production cools local climate, further raising crop yields. We find that maize and soy production trends have driven cooling effects approximately as large as greenhouse gas induced warming trends in extreme heat over the central U.S. and substantially reduce them over the southern U.S., benefiting crops in all regions. This reduced warming has boosted maize and soy yields by 3.3 (2.7 – 3.9; 13.7 – 20.0%) and 0.6 (0.4 – 0.7; 7.5 – 13.7%) bu/ac/decade, respectively, between 1981 and 2019. Our results suggest that if maize and soy production growth were to stagnate, the ability of the crop-climate feedback to mask warming would fade, exposing U.S. crops to more harmful heat extremes.

scholarly journals Impacts of Temperature Trends and SPEI on Yields of Major Cereal Crops in the Gambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12480
Author(s):  
Fanta F. Jabbi ◽  
Yu’e Li ◽  
Tianyi Zhang ◽  
Wang Bin ◽  
Waseem Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Climate Trends ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Climate Resilience

Variations in the climate constitute a significant threat to the productivity of food crops in the Gambia. A good understanding of the influence of climate variability on crop production is vital for climate resilience and improved food security. This study examined the trends, relationships, and the extent to which growing season temperatures and the SPEI (Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index) impacted sorghum, millet, maize, and rice yields in three agro-ecological regions of the Gambia during 1990–2019. Mean temperatures and the SPEI exhibited increasing trends while observed yields showed a decline across all regions. The SPEI had a significant positive relationship with yields, and temperatures were negatively associated with yields. Though yield response to climate variability differs among regions, 20% to 62% of variations in the four crop yields were due to climate trends. The combined effect of the SPEI and temperatures decreased yields from 3.6 kg ha−1 year−1 to 29.4 kg ha−1 year−1, with the most severe decline observed in rice and maize yields in the Sahelian zone. Although uncertainties might arise from not considering related extreme climate events, this study highlights how past climate trends affect cereal yields in the Gambia; thus, any unfavorable change in the local climate could have severe repercussions on the country’s food security. There is a need for concerted efforts to increase investments in adaptation strategies to lessen the effects of the climate for improved crop productivity.

Application of Remote Sensing in Agriculture

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Piekarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods

AbstractWith increasing intensity of agricultural crop production increases the need to obtain information about environmental conditions in which this production takes place. Remote sensing methods, including satellite images, airborne photographs and ground-based spectral measurements can greatly simplify the monitoring of crop development and decision-making to optimize inputs on agricultural production and reduce its harmful effects on the environment. One of the earliest uses of remote sensing in agriculture is crop identification and their acreage estimation. Satellite data acquired for this purpose are necessary to ensure food security and the proper functioning of agricultural markets at national and global scales. Due to strong relationship between plant bio-physical parameters and the amount of electromagnetic radiation reflected (in certain ranges of the spectrum) from plants and then registered by sensors it is possible to predict crop yields. Other applications of remote sensing are intensively developed in the framework of so-called precision agriculture, in small spatial scales including individual fields. Data from ground-based measurements as well as from airborne or satellite images are used to develop yield and soil maps which can be used to determine the doses of irrigation and fertilization and to take decisions on the use of pesticides.

scholarly journals The Pitfalls of Relating Weeds, Herbicide Use, and Crop Yield: Don't Fall Into the Trap! A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colbach ◽  
Sandrine Petit ◽  
Bruno Chauvel ◽  
Violaine Deytieux ◽  
Martin Lechenet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
The Impact

The growing recognition of the environmental and health issues associated to pesticide use requires to investigate how to manage weeds with less or no herbicides in arable farming while maintaining crop productivity. The questions of weed harmfulness, herbicide efficacy, the effects of herbicide use on crop yields, and the effect of reducing herbicides on crop production have been addressed over the years but results and interpretations often appear contradictory. In this paper, we critically analyze studies that have focused on the herbicide use, weeds and crop yield nexus. We identified many inconsistencies in the published results and demonstrate that these often stem from differences in the methodologies used and in the choice of the conceptual model that links the three items. Our main findings are: (1) although our review confirms that herbicide reduction increases weed infestation if not compensated by other cultural techniques, there are many shortcomings in the different methods used to assess the impact of weeds on crop production; (2) Reducing herbicide use rarely results in increased crop yield loss due to weeds if farmers compensate low herbicide use by other efficient cultural practices; (3) There is a need for comprehensive studies describing the effect of cropping systems on crop production that explicitly include weeds and disentangle the impact of herbicides from the effect of other practices on weeds and on crop production. We propose a framework that presents all the links and feed-backs that must be considered when analyzing the herbicide-weed-crop yield nexus. We then provide a number of methodological recommendations for future studies. We conclude that, since weeds are causing yield loss, reduced herbicide use and maintained crop productivity necessarily requires a redesign of cropping systems. These new systems should include both agronomic and biodiversity-based levers acting in concert to deliver sustainable weed management.

scholarly journals Quantifying the impact of land degradation on crop production: the case of Senegal

Solid Earth ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. G. J. S. Sonneveld ◽  
M. A. Keyzer ◽  
D. Ndiaye
Keyword(s):  
Land Degradation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Persistent Problem ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
A Site ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Land degradation has been a persistent problem in Senegal for more than a century and by now has become a serious impediment to long-term development. In this paper, we quantify the impact of land degradation on crop yields using the results of a nationwide land degradation assessment. For this, the study needs to address two issues. First, the land degradation assessment comprises qualitative expert judgements that have to be converted into more objective, quantitative terms. We propose a land degradation index and assess its plausibility. Second, observational data on soils, land use, and rainfall do not provide sufficient information to isolate the impact of land degradation. We, therefore, design a pseudo-experiment that for sites with otherwise similar circumstances compares the yield of a site with and one without land degradation. This pairing exercise is conducted under a gradual refining of the classification of circumstances, until a more or less stable response to land degradation is obtained. In this way, we hope to have controlled sufficiently for confounding variables that will bias the estimation of the impact of land degradation on crop yields. A small number of shared characteristics reveal tendencies of "severe" land degradation levels being associated with declining yields as compared to similar sites with "low" degradation levels. However, as we zoom in at more detail some exceptions come to the fore, in particular in areas without fertilizer application. Yet, our overall conclusion is that yield reduction is associated with higher levels of land degradation, irrespective of whether fertilizer is being applied or not.

scholarly journals Drought risk in the Bolivian Altiplano associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation using satellite imagery data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Canedo-Rosso ◽  
Stefan Hochrainer-Stigler ◽  
Georg Pflug ◽  
Bruno Condori ◽  
Ronny Berndtsson
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
El Niño ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Drought Risk ◽  
Bolivian Altiplano ◽  
Imagery Data

Abstract. Drought is a major natural hazard in the Bolivian Altiplano that causes large losses to farmers, especially during positive ENSO phases. However, empirical data for drought risk estimation purposes are scarce and spatially uneven distributed. Due to these limitations, similar to many other regions in the world, we tested the performance of satellite imagery data for providing precipitation and temperature data. The results show that droughts can be better predicted using a combination of satellite imagery and ground-based available data. Consequently, the satellite climate data were associated with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in order to evaluate the crop production variability. Moreover, NDVI was used to target specific drought hotspot regions. Furthermore, during positive ENSO phase (El Niño years), a significant decrease in crop yields can be expected and we indicate areas where losses will be most pronounced. The results can be used for emergency response operations and enable a pro-active approach to disaster risk management against droughts. This includes economic-related and risk reduction strategies such as insurance and irrigation.

Wood Ash Improved Soil Properties and Crop Yield for Nine Years and Saved Fertilizer

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabal S. Gill ◽  
Sukhdev S. Malhi ◽  
Newton Z. Lupwayi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Wood Ash ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Contribution Margin ◽  
Seed Yields

<p>Wood ash may be used to mitigate soil acidity and improve crop production. We compared effects of wood ash and recommended fertilizers on soil properties of a Gray Luivsol, crop yields and contribution margins in southeast Peace, Alberta, Canada. The CHK (no fertilizer, inoculation or wood ash), FRT (recommended fertilizers or inoculation), ASH (wood ash rate to supply amounts of phosphorus equivalent to the FRT treatment); and ASH+N (same as ASH + N fertilizer or inoculation) treatments were applied in 2006 and 2007. Their effects were studied from 2006 to 2014. Wood ash had all the essential plant nutrients, except nitrogen. Soil samples collected in 2007, 2008 and 2013 had or tended to have higher pH, P, K, Ca, Ca:Mg ratio, S, Cu, Zn and B levels for the ASH and ASH+N treatments than the CHK and FRT treatments. In the 2006 and 2007, the seed yields were ASH+N &gt; FRT &gt; ASH &gt; CHK. The seed yields in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were greater from both the wood ash treatments than other treatments. Extra contribution margin from the ASH+N over the FRT treatment was $751/ha, i.e. $97 Mg<sup>-1</sup> of applied wood ash. Overall, wood ash reduced fertilizer expenditure and improved seed yield, contribution margin and soil properties, with residual effects observed up to seven years and likely for few more years.</p>

scholarly journals PENGARUH PUPUK ZA DAN KOMPOS TERHADAP KANDUNGAN Pb, Zn, Cu DAN N TANAH SERTA HASIL TANAMAN PADA SISTEM BUDIDAYA BAWANG MERAH DI TEPI DANAU BATUR, KINTAMANI, BANGLI

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Shinta Lestari Santosa ◽  
I Nyoman Rai ◽  
Wayan Diara
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Chemical Fertilizer ◽  
Inorganic Fertilizer ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Cu Content ◽  
Soil Zn ◽  
Vegetable Cultivation

Vegetable cultivation is livelihoods for side Lake Batur communities, Kintamani, Bangli. Hilly natural conditions with a soil texture influenced by the eruption of Mount Batur, 900 m above sea level, and 900-3500 mm high rainfall, causing this region is very suitable for the cultivation of various vegetables, including shallot. One effort to meet the high demand for shallots is that efforts are made to improve cultivation techniques, including fertilizing to improve yields. In modern agriculture, the use of fertilizer is absolutely essential to trigger the level of crop production. The aims is to analyze the combination effect of using of inorganic fertilizer (ZA fertilizer) and organic fertilizer (compost fertilizer) on shallot vegetable cultivation systems on the content of pollutants, N nutrients and onion crop yields on the shores of Lake Batur, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency. The study using RBD with two factors where factor I: provision of organic fertilizer is leaf compost made aerobically (O), consisted of 3 levels, namely: O0 = 0*, O1 = 5* and O2 = 10*and factor II: the application of inorganic fertilizer namely ZA (S) fertilizer, consisted of 3 levels, namely: S0 = 0**, S1 = 50** and S2  = 100**, each repeated 3 times. The parameters observed were the growth and yield of shallots as well as the content of Pb, Zn, Cu and N nutrients in the soil. The nutrient content (N) in the soil, when using chemical fertilizer ZA and compost organic is not significantly different, as well as the results of onion plants, while the content of Pb, Zn and Cu on the use of chemical fertilizer ZA and organic compost, very real different. The highest soil Pb content in S2O1 treatment is 30.07***, the highest soil Zn content in the S2O1 treatment was 28.24***, and the highest soil Cu content in the S1O2 treatment is 17.22***. *= tons/ha **= kg/ha ***= mg/kg Keywords: compost; contents Pb; Zn; Cu of soil; shallot; ZA.

scholarly journals Effect of livestock production on the economic efficiency of irrigation systems

2006 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Gogic
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Field Crop ◽  
System Utilization ◽  
Price Relationship

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of livestock production on the economic efficiency of investments in irrigation projects. The study was based on a model focused on field crop/livestock production using the data of crop yields in field crop production with or without irrigation, financial results of cattle fattening and milk production and the input and output price relationship. The influence of livestock production on the economic effects of irrigation system utilization was evaluated using the indices of economic efficiency of investments - internal rate of return, net present value and pay-back period. The data on the amount of investments required for the construction of the irrigation system, economic benefit achieved by optimizing production under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, with and without livestock production were used to determine these indices.

scholarly journals Crop Residue Management for Sustenance of Natural Resources and Agriculture Productivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maninder Singh ◽  
Anita Jaswal ◽  
Arshdeep Singh
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Residue ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Crop Residue Management

Crop residue management (CRM) through conservation agriculture can improve soil productivity and crop production by preserving soil organic matter (SOM) levels. Two major benefits of surface-residue management are improved organic matter (OM) near the soil surface and boosted nutrient cycling and preservation. Larger microbial biomass and activity near the soil surface act as a pool for nutrients desirable in crop production and enhance structural stability for increased infiltration. In addition to the altered nutrient distribution within the soil profile, changes also occur in the chemical and physical properties of the soil. Improved soil C sequestration through enhanced CRM is a cost-effective option for reducing agriculture's impact on the environment. Ideally, CRM practices should be selected to optimize crop yields with negligible adverse effects on the environment. Crop residues of common agricultural crops are chief resources, not only as sources of nutrients for subsequent crops but also for amended soil, water and air quality. Maintaining and managing crop residues in agriculture can be economically beneficial to many producers and more importantly to society. Improved residue management and reduced tillage practices should be encouraged because of their beneficial role in reducing soil degradation and increasing soil productivity. Thus, farmers have a responsibility in making management decisions that will enable them to optimize crop yields and minimize environmental impacts. Multi-disciplinary and integrated efforts by a wide variety of scientists are required to design the best site-specific systems for CRM practices to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability while minimizing environmental impacts.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Impacts of Compound Extremes on Agriculture and Irrigation Water Demand

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Haqiqi ◽  
Danielle S. Grogan ◽  
Thomas W. Hertel ◽  
Wolfram Schlenker
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Water Stress ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Irrigation Water Demand

Abstract. Agricultural production and food prices are affected by hydroclimatic extremes. There has been a large literature measuring the impacts of individual extreme events (heat stress or water stress) on agricultural and human systems. Yet, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the significance and the magnitude of the impacts of compound extremes. Here, we combine a high-resolution weather product with fine-scale outputs of a hydrological model to construct functional indicators of compound hydroclimatic extremes for agriculture. Then, we measure the impacts of individual and compound extremes on crop yields focusing on the United States during the 1981–2015 period. Supported by statistical evidence, we confirm that wet heat is more damaging than dry heat for crops. We show that the average damage from heat stress has been up to four times more severe when combined with water stress; and the value of water experiences a four-fold increase on hot days. In a robust framework with only a few parameters of compound extremes, this paper also improves our understanding of the conditional marginal value (or damage) of water in crop production. This value is critically important for irrigation water demand and farmer decision-making – particularly in the context of supplemental irrigation and sub-surface drainage.

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