Climate change is causing changes in crops in China

Since the 1980s, China’s food production has doubled mainly due to intensive nutrient management and irrigation.

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, using a dynamic global vegetation model, simulated the country’s agricultural system under different climate change scenarios in the 21st century.

Scenarios were created to increase crop production under different climatic conditions while reducing nitrogen leaching and water use. The scenarios also minimized supply chain disruptions and aimed to ensure future food security.

Optimal crop allocation in a future climate increased productivity by 14.1%, reduced nitrogen leaching by 8.2%, and reduced water use by 24.0%.

According to the study, to reduce environmental costs and increase food production under climate change, Chinese farmers are recommended to plant areas currently used for corn and canola with alternative crops.

It has been shown that warming temperatures and increased summer rainfall in northern China will make the area suitable for rice cultivation. Moving corn from arid regions will save a significant amount of water. Drought-tolerant wheat will be comfortable in the Northeast China Plain, soybeans in North and Northwest China and the Yangtze Plain, and moisture-loving potatoes in East and South China.

According to scientists, national-level crop shifts are possible in China with coordinated actions, which can bring great potential benefits.

Forecasting is an important part of agricultural development. Assessing environmental changes can help in selecting measures for successful crop cultivation.

Tags: China, corn, rice