Climate Change Could Reshape Future Crop Agriculture

Agricultural economist Otto Doering from Purdue University predicts scenarios of agricultural crops under climate change in the next century. For instance, it would be possible that Indiana's climate would be that of Virginia in the winter and Oklahoma in the summer by 2100. This would likely lead agricultural producers to change to climate-appropriate crops or management strategies.

"Then there's temperature. One area of concern is warmer winters. That might mean pests wouldn't be wiped out as much like on those days in January where it's below zero and the cold permeates the ground. Another important concern with temperature as it relates to corn is pollination. What we'd like to have is a situation where it may be hot in the daytime but there's a drop in nighttime temperatures, which facilitates pollination," said Doering.

Aside from shifting seed varieties, changing farming practices would possibly lead to soil erosion and reduce soil organic matter. Doering also suggests that government policies on biofuels must also be reviewed, and adjusted based on the food production demands.

Doering will address climate issues by delivering two talks in the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference on 14-15 December 2010 at the Indianapolis Marriott East.

For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2010/101206DoeringClimate.html.