How Extreme Solar Ultraviolet Events Harm Corn Yields in China: Insights from Communications Earth & Environment

Maize yield is often measured in the weight harvested per hectare, or kg/ha. In China, the data for maize yield has been collected at the county level from 1992 to 2018, making it easier to compare with previous studies. This extensive dataset allows researchers to analyze how weather impacts crop yields effectively.

When studying maize growth, it’s crucial to break it down into stages: early, mid, and late growth. The timing of these stages is based on historical weather data recorded at agrometeorological stations. For instance, the maize growing period starts at sowing and ends at maturity. This helps farmers understand when to plant and manage crops for optimal yields.

Climate plays a significant role in agriculture. Data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) provides crucial information on temperature, moisture, and precipitation. These climate variables can significantly affect how maize grows during its life cycle. For instance, extreme heat or drought can hinder yields.

Additionally, extreme climate events are categorized into individual events like drought and heatwaves, and compound events where two extreme situations occur together. Studies show that such events negatively impact maize yield, highlighting the importance of understanding climate patterns.

To address these impacts, researchers developed models to quantify how maize yields respond to climate extremes. The models consider various factors, like rainfall and sunlight, which demonstrate diminishing returns—meaning that after a certain point, more water or sunlight doesn’t further increase yield.

Moving forward, projections based on climate models suggest changes in the frequency of extreme climate events like extreme UV radiation, affecting maize productivity. Various climate scenarios indicate potential shifts that could challenge farmers in the near future.

In summary, examining maize yields through the lens of growth stages and climate variables provides valuable insights necessary for improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security. With climate change, understanding these dynamics has never been more critical.



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Climate-change impacts,Natural hazards,Environment,general,Earth Sciences