Including crop data could help improve regional climate modeling: study
The process of sowing, growing, and harvesting crops is affected by both human activity and climate.
(Web Desk) – Chinese researchers have developed a new model that combines crop data and climate models, which help increase its simulation capabilities.
The process of sowing, growing, and harvesting crops is affected by both human activity and climate, and the dynamic changes in crop growth also provide feedback about the local climate.
Previous studies have investigated the interactions between crops and climate through coupling crop models with climate models. However, most of these studies have focused on the growth process of a single crop type or farming system.
Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qilu University of Technology and other institutions have set up a new model that combines climate models with data of three types of crops, including rice, wheat and maize, which covered 81 percent of the cereal crop planting area in China.
They investigated the climate effects associated with the growth of these crops across China. They also used the new model to examine differences related to the farming systems of the main cereal crops across China.
The model provides a tool for research on the relationship between crop growth and climate change, according to Zou Jing, one of the researchers.
"This model can be used for food production or agricultural research. We will continue to improve the accuracy of the model," Zou said.
The research was published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.
