Climate change, irrigation, and crop response
Journal
Journal of the American Water Resources Association
Journal Volume
34
Journal Issue
5
Pages
1071-1085
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Haith, D.A.
Abstract
A set of simulation models consisting of a weather generator, and irrigation supply, soil moisture and crop growth components was used to evaluate the impacts of climate change on irrigated corn in locations near Albany, New York, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The models evaluated the combined effects of modified water demand, supply and crop management (planting date, cultivar selection, irrigation). Simulations were duplicated for 100-year weather sequences based on current (1961-1988) weather statistics, and statistics modified by outputs from the GFDL GCM runs showing the effects from doubling of atmospheric CO2. Climate impacts differed greatly with location and management. Effects were most adverse in New York and least damaging in Indiana. At all sites, the beneficial effects of longer growing season and increased water supply were generally overcome by the detrimental impacts of increased evapotranspiration and reduced solar radiation during plant maturing stages. Adverse impacts of climate change can be substantially reduced by irrigation and appropriate selection of planting dates and cultivars.A set of simulation models consisting of a weather generator, and irrigation supply, soil moisture and crop growth components was used to evaluate the impacts of climate change on irrigated corn in locations near Albany, New York, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The models evaluated the combined effects of modified water demand, supply and crop management (planting date, cultivar selection, irrigation). Simulations were duplicated for 100-year weather sequences based on current (1961-1988) weather statistics, and statistics modified by outputs from the GFDL GCM runs showing the effects from doubling of atmospheric CO2. Climate impacts differed greatly with location and management. Effects were most adverse in New York and least damaging in Indiana. At all sites, the beneficial effects of longer growing season and increased water supply were generally overcome by the detrimental impacts of increased evapotranspiration and reduced solar radiation during plant maturing stages. Adverse impacts of climate change can be substantially reduced by irrigation and appropriate selection of planting dates and cultivars.
Subjects
Climate change; Irrigation; Simulation; Water supply; Weather models
Other Subjects
Climate change; Computer simulation; Crops; Irrigation; Mathematical models; Plants (botany); Water supply; Corn; Weather model; Surface waters; Zea mays
Type
journal article