Climate change is having an increasing effect on agriculture worldwide
Due to climate changes in temperature, sea level and precipitation patterns, agriculture is being increasingly affected in terms of production.
These changes can cause a variety of problems for farmers. From reduced yields to soil erosion or the proliferation of diseases, all leading to a downward trend in production.
The first direct consequence of climate change for the agricultural sector may be drought. Long periods without rain mainly affect crops that require a lot of water for their development. This can cause fruit trees to fail to bear fruit or cereals or vegetables to fail to ripen with the results we have mentioned. Droughts also tend to cause the phenomenon known as desertification. Which is the erosion of the soil due to the lack of humidity, causing a constant loss of fertile soil.
One effect that climate changes have on agriculture is the increase in temperatures. This means that many tropical crops, such as coffee, cocoa, bananas and many others. Will have limited development due to the lack of a climate with suitable temperatures for them. The optimum temperature for some fruits and vegetables to reach maturity is usually around 25 or 30 degrees. A value that is being exceeded very often and that often causes harvesting and/or maturity deadlines to be altered
It also causes problems with the passing of the years. These changes are producing changes in rainfall patterns that often lead to frequent flooding which. Although in the short term may be beneficial for some crops such as rice. In the long term can cause diseases due to excess moisture.
Climate change is also directly affecting some pests and diseases
This is known as the “insect march” effect and refers to the fact that, due to changes in temperature or rainfall patterns, some pests such as migratory insects can have a much greater proliferation if they have a suitable environment and this can lead to a significant decrease in crop production.
To summarize, climate changes are having an increasing effect on agriculture around the world, from drought problems, to erosion problems, diseases, floods, among others, causing economic problems for farmers who see their crop production decrease. Fortunately, there are alternatives to alleviate these effects such as the use of agricultural techniques that reduce the impact of climate change and help farmers to adapt and cope with the problems.
Environmental factors that may damage an agricultural crop
Environmental factors that can damage an agricultural crop are numerous and employing good soil management practices is crucial to a good crop. A wide variety of factors, from soil, location, season and abiotic factors, such as wind, rain, temperature or light, can affect crop health and growth. Each of these factors is discussed below.
One of the most important climatological factors that can damage crops is the soil. Soils suitable for crops establish a strong foundation for a successful crop, but poor quality soil containing sand, gravel, or other minerals can be harmful to crops. In addition, poor soils can limit crop growth and yield to the extent that they limit nutrient retention and adequate water drainage.
Crop location is also important. Location affects crops in several ways. If crops are too close to a noisy road, power plant, sewage treatment plant, or urban area, noise and pollutants can damage crops. Proximity to a road can also result in the accidental application of fertilizers or fungicides to crops.
Weather factors, such as wind, rain, temperature and storms, can also seriously affect crops if neglected
Wind at high speeds can blow hard enough to blow fruit off the plant, thus causing shortage. On the other hand, too much water can result in excessive waterlogging, loss of soil nutrients, root rot and crop death. Crops can also be severely damaged if the temperature drops well below freezing or if the sun’s rays become too intense.
The duration of sunlight is also an important factor to consider. Shorter days during the fall can limit crop growth, as can too much light during the warmer days of summer. In addition, insufficient sunlight can result in stressed plants and poor crop performance.
In addition, abiotic factors, such as the iron and other nutrient content of the soil, can also damage crops if neglected. If soil iron levels are too high or too low, they can reduce crop growth and yield. Similarly, high fluoride or nitrate content can damage crops and affect human health.
Managing environmental and soil elements and adopting good soil practices are important to avoid damage to agricultural crops. If farmers take into account the terrain, location, climate, light and
Diseases that an agricultural crop can contract due to extreme climates.
Extreme weather can be a major cause of disease in agricultural crops. When temperatures change drastically during the day and night, this can lead to the formation of bacteria and fungi in the soil, which in turn can impact crop health. Intense heat, drought and lack of moisture are three common conditions that have a major impact on agricultural crops. These conditions can reduce yields and can lead to disease.
Drought and heat diseases:
One of the main problems caused by extreme weather is drought and heat. These conditions can increase the risk of crop diseases such as fungal wilt, leaf blight, fusarium, fusarium, ramularia, Phytophthora and colletotrichum. These diseases develop when the air and soil are very dry, allowing fungi and bacteria to spread through the soil, affecting crops.
Diseases due to excess water:
There are also diseases related to hot and humid climates. Excess water can lead to a condition called “white mold,” which means that plants begin to show dark spots on their leaves. This type of disease is caused by excessive fungal growth in the soil and on plant leaves. Excess water can also lead to reduced crop yield and quality.
Low humidity diseases:
Lack of humidity can also be a risk for agricultural crops, as excess heat can create optimal conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi in the soil. The rain cycle affects soil balance, which can lead to crop diseases. Persistent drought and low humidity can cause stem rot, root wilt and plant flower decline.
Frost diseases:
Cold weather can also bring complications for crops, such as frost damage. This happens when the temperature drops sharply below freezing. Fruit trees and shrubs are more susceptible to frost damage. Frost can damage the shoots and bark of plants, which can lead to a reduction in crop yield and quality.
Growers need to always be aware of changes in weather and prepare to protect crops from these extreme conditions. Irrigation and shade are two effective tools to protect crops from drought and excessive heat. Fertilizer use and pest control can also contribute to good crop growth. Farmers should make sure to keep the soil healthy and monitor weather factors before planting. This can help them protect their crops from the adverse effects of extreme weather.