Abstract
The Guanzhong region is a typical and important grain-producing area in China. The effect of accumulated temperature and rainfall on maize production is important in the face of global warming. Here, we collected meteorological data from six test sites in the Guanzhong region to study climate change from 1972 to 2018 in this area. A two-year study was conducted at multiple experimental sites to analyze the effect of climatic factors on maize yield and disease in the Guanzhong region. In the past 40 years, average temperatures have significantly increased at all sites, except for Hancheng. Rainfall varied significantly between years at each site, except for Huxian, with an overall declining trend. Accumulated temperature had a significant positive effect on yield (R2 = 0.28, p = 0.041 < 0.05), but rainfall did not affect yield (R2 = 0.0971, p = 0.324 > 0.05). During the growing period, total rainfall had a significant positive correlation with northern leaf blight disease in maize, and rainfall before silking had a significant positive correlation with ear length and row grain number. The demand for accumulated temperature by maize differed between sites. It is predicted that maize yield will increase with increasing temperature in the Guanzhong region. Greater attention should be paid to improve agronomic practices, such as adjustment of sowing dates, straw mulching, deep tillage, and pest control to adapt to future climate change.
Highlights
The IPCC’s (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) fifth assessment report shows that greenhouse gas concentrations are increasing, and global warming is undeniable [1]
Pan et al predicted that surface air temperature warming significantly increased in northwest China and exceeded 6 ◦C, and that future precipitation will increase by 50 mm by the end of the 21st century [4]
This paper focuses on (1) rainfall and temperature changes in the Guanzhong region in the past 40 years, (2) the effect of temperature and accumulated temperature on maize yield and disease incidence in multi-site experiments in the Guanzhong region, and (3) the effect of climate change on maize planting and growth in this region
Summary
The IPCC’s (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) fifth assessment report shows that greenhouse gas concentrations are increasing, and global warming is undeniable [1]. An analysis of China’s meteorological data from the 1950s to 2010s revealed an overall warming trend of China’s climate [2]. An analysis of climate simulation results showed that China’s climate is following a warming trend in the 21st century [3]. Pan et al predicted that surface air temperature warming significantly increased in northwest China and exceeded 6 ◦C, and that future precipitation will increase by 50 mm by the end of the 21st century [4]. Climate change has a significant impact on agricultural production [5]. With China’s large population and huge food demand, it is important to study the impact of climate on agricultural production in China
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
