Skip to main content

Crops

GrowNYC sponsors the Corona Farmers Market in Queens, New York, one of the most dynamic and diverse farmers markets in the city. The farmers market is just steps off the subway and mass transit system for the city. USDA photo by Preston KeresThe effects of climate change on crop production will vary by region, and will largely be a factor of impacts on resources important to agricultural production, such as soil and water.

Soils provide a wide variety of ecosystem services, including regulating carbon through sequestration and providing a structure to support crop plants. Erosion of soil, the primary source for soil particles to leave agricultural fields, may increase in certain areas of the U.S. due to climate change. Some areas of the country will experience less rainfall, causing soils to dry out. Combined with higher winds, this may lead to higher rates of wind erosion. Other areas may experience more intensive rainstorms, which can increase erosion rates by washing out stream banks, for example. Other factors affecting soil erosion that may increase or decrease due to climate change include changing irrigation needs, snowmelt patterns, soil erodibility, conservation practices, and topography.

Continue to the full text Croplands in a Changing Climate or browse related content:

  • Hail Know

    While you can't prevent hail, you can prepare for and respond quickly when dealing with hail damage to crops. And…

  • UDC Urban Farm

    Aquaponics System at UDC

    The University of the District of Columbia showcases an urban food hub at the East Capitol Urban Farm and helps address…

Subscribe to Crops