Rethinking Crop Rotational Benefits Under Climate Change
Author Information
Author(s): Monique E. Smith, Riccardo Bommarco, Giulia Vico
Primary Institution: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Hypothesis
How do climatic conditions outside the growing season affect the benefits of crop rotations?
Conclusion
The benefits of crop rotations for corn and soybean depend on both growing season and non-growing season climatic conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Crop rotational diversity can improve soil health and reduce the need for harmful chemicals.
- Long-term experiments show that diverse crop rotations can help maintain yields during bad weather.
- Warmer winter temperatures can affect nutrient cycling and pest cycles, impacting crop yields.
Takeaway
Changing the order of crops can help them grow better, especially when the weather is different than usual. This study shows that both summer and winter weather can change how well crops do.
Methodology
The study analyzed yield maps generated using satellite imagery across the US Corn Belt over 19 years.
Limitations
The study was limited to the dominant 2-year corn-soybean rotation and could not assess the effects of more diverse rotations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website