Impact of Climate Change to Wheat Production in Australia

“Climate change projections for the mid 21st century for southern Western Australia indicate an increase in temperatures, a decrease in rainfall and higher CO₂ concentrations from current conditions,” said Imma Farré of the Western Australia Agriculture and Food Department. Crop simulation modeling using climate change predictions pointed to increased risks in the region’s wheat production. A downscaled climate data from a tested Global Climate Change Model was used as inputs in the simulation model, considering locations and soil types.

Dr Farré said the largest projected yield decline in the future was at Mullewa with a 24 per cent decline on clay soil and 17 per cent on lighter duplex soil. This is due to lower rainfall and higher temperatures, which caused shorter growth duration and more water deficit in most locations.

The Department is working closely with producers and researchers to examine the climate change projections and consider options for the future.

For more information read http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/