Climatic conditions of the Urals and Western Siberia post-virgin regions and field crops productivity

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to determine the current trends in the change in the meteorological conditions of the growing season of field crops in the post-virgin regions of the Urals and Western Siberia and to identify their regional characteristics and influence on the yield of spring wheat. The research object was information on the average daily air temperatures, precipitation, and spring wheat yield. When processing the digital material, the generally accepted methods of statistical analysis were used. It has been established that current trends in an increase in climate aridity are accompanied by a significant change in the growing conditions of field crops, especially in the post-virgin areas of the Orenburg region. The steppe natural and climatic zone of the Omsk region, with all the humidification conditions’ intensity, is characterized by more favorable hydrothermal indicators and their temporary stability. The most significant dependence (r = 0.75 – 0.79) of the yield of spring wheat on hydrothermal conditions was found in the Svetlinsky district of the Orenburg region, which is characterized by the least amount of precipitation (139 mm) of the active growing season. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of developing and implementing adaptive moisture-saving agricultural technologies and techniques focused on the rational use of water resources in a changing climate.