by Nan C Avery

Created on: August 17, 2010   Last Updated: August 18, 2010

Climate change, of course, has an affect on global agriculture. How can we change our farming crops to meet the ever increasing climate changes? Most of the research is based upon the past climatic changes. Computers programmed to follow the changes, with input from researchers, limit the accuracy.  The climate changes quickly or slowly - it is hard to predict.   One uncertainty has to do with how does climate change in different geographical areas. Is it beneficial or harmless? W hat changes occur associated with precipitation:  watering crops, and evaporation? Another question, that researchers express, what is the biological reaction of crops to enhanced carbon dioxide? There are economic ramifications to different regions and countries because of the changes in agriculture.

The common term, agroecosystems, refers to both biophysical environment and the crop community. The integrated studies examined today include the biophysical and socioeconomic processes. The following are steps in the chain of growing crops show the interlocking links in agroecosystems:

Food – the food can be from crops or the animals that eat the crops.

Crops – grow on farms

Farming communities – which are part of an international food trade system.

If there is a change in any one the links, there is a change in the chain. For example, global greenhouse gases means modifications have to be made. The following are the Problems:

Crop Growth and Carbon Dioxide:

*Problem:

Global warming is a sign that there is a hole in the atmosphere. This emits more carbon dioxide. Higher atmospheric carbon dioxide stimulates the plant to close the small leaf openings (stomates – this is a part of the leaf in which CO2 is absorbed and water is released).

Global Warming – Higher temperatures

*Problems:

The main problem is plants have a “growing season” and have adapted to the daytime temperatures. If the temperatures are high, plants mature too early and not as many plants grow.

Water

*Problems:

Climate changes can make the seasonal rainfall, evaporation, runoff, and soil storage of moisture can cause agricultural moisture stress. As temperatures rise, the need for water increases. Evaporation in high temperatures causes salt hazards in the soil.

Extreme Climates

*Problems

High temperatures, heavy rainfall, and droughts cause disruption of agricultural production. This may cause catastrophe in many third world countries.

Soil Fertility and Soil Erosion

*Problems:

Higher temperatures make the soil lose nutrients. The loss of nitrogen makes the soil drier and roots do not develop. Excessive rainfall increases soil erosions.

*Adaptions:*

-There are actions that lessen the agroecosystem damage from climate changes.-

-Introduction of late maturing crops; switch crop sequence; and adjust timing of field operations.-

-Conservation of soil moisture through ploughing and improving irrigation.-

-Genetic manipulation to make crops drought and flooding resistant.-

Most research groups say that food crops are sustainable if there is an adequate water supply. Third world countries are going to suffer if they do not get global help.

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