Research on the Key Factors of Agricultural Climate in Cultivation Division of High-quality Tobacco in Qianxinan

[Objective] This research was to provide technical guidance for the cultivation of high-quality tobacco in Qianxinan area.[Method] Through analyzing the conditions of main tobacco cultivation areas in Qianxinan including temperature,precipitation and sunshine,the influence factors of tobacco yield and quality in Qianxinan were investigated.[Result] The altitude of Division I was 450-1 650 m,its days with temperature equal to or higher than 20℃ were about 80 d,its active accumulated temperature was 1 200-2 100℃ and its annual average temperature was 13.5-14.6℃.The altitude of Division II was 1 300-1 450 m,its days with temperature equal to or higher than 20℃ were about 110 d,its active accumulated temperature was 2 100-2 700℃ and its annual average temperature was 14.6-16.3℃.The altitude of Division III was 1 050-1 300 m,its days with temperature equal to or higher than 20℃ were about 150 d,its active accumulated temperature was 2 700-3 600℃ and its annual average temperature was 16.3-17.0℃.Division IV was divided into 2 areas,the altitude of Area 1 was lower than 1 000 m,its days with temperature equal to or higher than 20℃ were more than 160 d,its active accumulated temperature was higher than 3 600℃ and its annual average temperature was higher than 17.5℃;the altitude of Area 2 was higher than 1 700 m,its days with temperature equal to or higher than 20℃ were basically none and its annual average temperature was lower than 1.30℃.[Conclusion] In this research,the agricultural climate index conditions for cultivation of high-quality tobacco in areas at different altitudes were suggested and some references were provided for developing tobacco production in Guizhou.

Assessment of Climate for Agricultural Suitability and Optimal Allocation of Agricultural Production in the Guanzhong Region, Shaanxi Province

Based on spatial climatic data of agriculture and the experiment data, the models of agro-ecological assessment of climate for agricultural suitability in this study were developed using the fuzzy mathematical method. Three coefficients, in- cluding the resource coefficient （Cr）, the efficiency coefficient （Ce）, and the utility co- efficient （K）, were used in the models, which were calculated based on temperature, moisture, and sunshine duration data of Guanzhong region, Shaanxi Province. The results indicated that resource coefficient was higher in west of the region than that in east, and higher in south （especially in the Central Shaanxi Plain） than that in the Weibei plateau. The value of Cr changed from 6.5 to 9.2 from north to plain area. Spatial change of efficiency coefficient was obvious, lower in the northeast than in the central plain, and the value of Ce changed from 2.3 to 6.5 from the northeast to the central plain. As for utility coefficient, it was lower in northeastern part of the Weibei plateau and in southern mountain areas than that in the central plain, showing significant latitudinal zonality. Furthermore, the value of K increased from 0.35 to 0.78 from northeast to the central plain, and decreased from 0.78 to 0.53 from the central plain to southern mountain areas. These indicated that climate resource in the central plain region was more abundant and potential, compared with other regions. GuanZhong region was classified into three larger agricultural zones and three small independent zones, according to agro-ecological assessment. Light, heat and water resources should be made use of in an efficient way in spatial allo- cation of agricultural production. For example, water facilities should also be im- proved in Weibei plateau region where highly-qualified fruit should be enhanced and fruit processing industrial chain should be shaped. Large-scale production area of wheat should be increased in central irrigation region and more vegetable bases should be developed around large and medium-scale cities. Thanks for outstanding water conservation function, the three-dimensional agriculture including medicine and other sideline production should be developed in Qinling Mountains and the special- ized commercial agriculture should be accelerated in independent small zones, ac- cording to local conditions. In the research, different crop varieties were developed in corresponding regions as per current eco-climatic conditions.

Change Characteristics of Climate and Main Agricultural Meteorological Disasters in Shiyang River Basin

Based on 35 a meteorological data and main crops planting data in Shiyang River basin meteorological station,the agricultural climate change,agricultural production,hydrology change and the influences on the crops layout,planting in the basin were discussed.The results showed that the linear inclined rates of ≥0 ℃,10 ℃ accumulated temperature increase in the north-central part were bigger than in the south,and the heat resources increased evidently.The annual precipitation increased in the linear inclined rate which was 4.719 mm/10 a,and the annual runoff decreased in 0.274×109 m3/10 a velocity.The climate productivity increased in 134.62 kg/(hm2·10 a) velocity.In late spring and early summer,the regional drought increased evidently,and the frostless period prolonged.The sand storm decreased evidently.The gale in the south increased and decreased in the north-central part.The agricultural climate change made that the spring wheat planting zone advanced to the high-altitude area.The seeding date advanced,and the growth period shortened.It didn't favor for the yield formation.However,it was favorable to improve the yield and quality of thermophilous crops such as the corn,cotton and wine grape and so on.

The Potential Scenarios of the Impacts of Climate Change on Egyptian Resources and Agricultural Plant Production

The emissions of greenhouse gasses in Egypt are about 0.58% of the total emissions of the world in the year 2015, although Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change. By assessment and analysis of the expected economic impacts of climate change by the year 2030, the Egyptian cultivated area will be reduced to about 0.949 million acres, equal to about 8.22% of the Egyptian cultivated area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, thus reducing crop area in Egypt to about 1.406 million acres, approximately to about 6.25% of crop area compared with the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, in addition to surplus in the Egyptian balance water to about 2.48 billion m3. In this case value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 6.19 billion dollars, equal to about 6.19% compared with presumably no sinking of the Delta land. In the case of sinking 15% of Delta lands, with the change of the productivity and water consumption of most crops, the result will be a reduction in the cultivated area to about 0.94 million acres. In addition to decreasing the Egyptian crop area to about 1.39 million acres, with a deficit in the Egyptian balance water to about 4.74 billion m3 compared to the case of no sinking part of the Delta land, the cultivated area will decrease to about 8.17%, and the crop area will decrease 6.18%. Also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 12.51%. While compared to sinking part of the Delta land to about 15% of the total Delta area without the other impacts of climate change, the cultivated area will increase by about 0.06%;the crop area will increase by about 0.08%;also, the value of the Egyptian agriculture production will decrease by about 5.57%.

Climate Change and Its Influence on Agricultural Pest in Mexico

The present paper reviewed the researches of how they have affected agricultural pests in the territory of Mexico. It emphasizes that traditional climate models are not “predict” non-linear systems and are necessary to resort to the construction of scenarios for study. Some climate change models applied to Mexico used for this purpose obtained significant results. It showed that to better understand the ecology of pests and their hosts, it is necessary to further research the correlations between them and improve climate modeling and its consequences, to prioritize risks and improve the reliability of predictions and scenarios in the future.

Climate Change and Agriculture: Impact and Adaptation

The global food security will face great challenge and is expected to face even greater challenge under cli- mate change. FAO＇s estimates show that the global food production should increase by at least 70% in 2050 over 2000 to meet the growing food demands （FAO 2009）. However, the growth rate of agricultural productivity has been falling in recent decades. Moreover, food security in many regions in the world may face more challenge under climate change.

Assessment of Climate Variability in Kisii Kenya and Its Implications on Food Security

Climate change and variability have been singled out as one of the modern challenges that affect economies of several countries leading to food scarcity and food insecurity in various parts of the world and represent a fundamental contemporary environmental shock. Kenya is no exception. This research was conducted in Kisii County, a perceived Kenyan national bread basket and investigated the trend in climate variability between the years 1983-2013. The objective of the study was to examine the precipitation and temperature trend in Kisii County. The research question was to find out whether there was any significant trend and pattern of rainfall and temperature as indicators of climate variability. The study examined climate variability for thirty one years (1983 to 2013). Data was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department and their annual means were computed. Mann Kendall statistic test was applied to establish whether the observed trend of precipitation and temperature was significant. From the analysis, rainfall did not show any significant trend in Kisii County whilst temperature revealed a significantly upward trend over the years, at 95% confidence level. The study recommends a need to incorporate weather prediction and early warning systems by the Ministry of Agriculture in Kisii County and also promote afforestation programmes to protect water catchments. To build resilient systems to climate shocks, introduction of high temperature tolerant food crops as well as adoption of climate smart agriculture (CSA) should also be explored.

Evaluation of Agricultural Climatic Resource Utilization During Spring Maize Cultivation in Northeast China Under Climate Change

Agricultural climatic resources （such as light,temperature,and water） are environmental factors that affect crop productivity.Predicting the effects of climate change on agricultural climatic resource utilization can provide a theoretical basis for adapting agricultural practices and distributions of agricultural production.This study investigates these effects under the IPCC （Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change） scenario A1B using daily data from the high-resolution RegCM3 （0.25° ×0.25°） during 1951-2100.Model outputs are adjusted using corrections derived from daily observational data taken at 101 meteorological stations in Northeast China between 1971 and 2000.Agricultural climatic suitability theory is used to assess demand for agricultural climatic resources in Northeast China during the cultivation of spring maize.Three indices,i.e.,an average resource suitability index （Isr）,an average efficacy suitability index （Ise）,and an average resource utilization index （K）,are defined to quantitatively evaluate the effects of climate change on climatic resource utilization between 1951 and 2100.These indices change significantly in both temporal and spatial dimensions in Northeast China under global warming.All three indices are projected to decrease in Liaoning Province from 1951 to 2100,with particularly sharp declines in Isr,Ise,and K after 2030,2021,and 2011,respectively.In Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces,Isr is projected to increase slightly after 2011,while Ise increases slightly and K decreases slightly after 2030.The spatial maxima of all three indices are projected to shift northeastward.Overall,warming of the climate in Northeast China is expected to negatively impact spring maize production,especially in Liaoning Province.Spring maize cultivation will likely need to shift northward and expand eastward to make efficient use of future agricultural climatic resources.

Dryland agriculture and rangeland restoration priorities in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is threatened by rangeland degradation.A quantitative visual analysis of Google Earth Imagery was used to systematically locate,characterize and quantify the current extent of rangelands in Afghanistan degraded as a consequence of dryland agriculture.Climate data were used in conjunction with dryland agriculture locations to establish a climate envelope comprised by temperature and mean annual precipitation to create a geographical mask known to contain dryland agriculture.Within this mask we created a grid of 100 km2 cells that we analyzed individually to access dryland agriculture extent.Climatic limits to sustainable dryland agriculture and areas of high restoration priority were also assessed as was the distribution of rain-fed agriculture with respect to the location of traditional migration routes for extensive livestock producers.The extents of agriculture in Afghanistan,at both upper and lower elevations,correlated most closely with mean annual temperature（MAT） at the upper elevation limits,and with mean annual precipitation（MAP） at the lower elevation limits.In total,dryland agriculture comprised 38,980 km2 of former native rangeland.Conversion was highest in the northwestern,northern and northeastern provinces of Herat,Badghis,Faryab,Jawzjan,Sar-e-Pul,Samangan,Balkh,Baghlan,Kunduz,Takhar and Badakhshan,with the highest percentage of conversion occurring in Takhar.An MAP value of 〈400 mm is perceived by farmers as the current climatic limit to sustainable dryland agriculture across the northern regions of the country.Uder this MAP value,approximately 27,677 km2 of converted rangeland met the need for restoration priority.Climate projections indicate that Afghanistan will become warmer and drier in the coming decades.One consequence of this trend is that the MAP threshold of 〈400 mm to sustainable dryland agriculture will become obsolete in the coming decades.Restoration of currently converted rangelands is needed to restore critical grazing areas as is the adoption of prudent range management policies to prevent further land degradation and support a vital livestock industry.Food security is at stake as the conversion of rangelands to unsustainable rain-fed agriculture may leave large tracks of land unusable for either agriculture or livestock production.

Canadian Food Security： Beyond 150

Not only necessary for survival, food plays an important social, economic, and cultural role in our lives. Globally in the 21 st century, food security faces many challenges including climate change and changing attitudes surrounding food and agriculture. In Canada over the past 150 years, the role of food in society has changed. In the early 20th century, a third of Canada＇s population lived on and derived their livelihoods from agriculture （Statistics Canada, 2009）. Agriculture played a central role in the daily lives of Canadians. Urbanization and mechanization has allowed for more food to be produced in Canada with fewer people, to the extent that today only two percent of the population now lives on a farm. Only seven percent of Canadian land is suitable for agriculture production, yet Canada remains one of the few countries expected to continue to produce more food than it consumes in the next 50 years. The disassociation between the average Canadian and the source of their food creates unique challenges for food security that must be addressed moving forward as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday.

Land Use Land Cover Dynamics and Farmland Intensity Analysis at Ouahigouya Municipality of Burkina Faso,West Africa

Sahel zone has been reported as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, so serious attention must be paid to this zone by researchers and development actors who are interested in environmental-human dynamics and interactions. The aim of this study was to bring more insight into the impact of actions aiming at reducing land degradation, regreening the Sahel, stopping population migration and reducing the pressure on land in the Sahelian zone. The study focused on farmland dynamic in Ouahigouya municipality based on remote sensing data from 1986 to 2016 using intensity analysis. The annual time interval change was 0.77% and 2.46% for 1986-2001 and 2001-2016, respectively. Farmlands gained from mixt vegetation, water bodies and from bar lands. Mixed vegetation and water bodies were both active during both intervals while the other land use such as woodland and bar land were dormant. Combining land use land cover analysis and intensity analysis was found to be effective for assessing the differentiated impact of the various land restoration actions.

Sustainability issues on rice–wheat cropping system

Rice–wheat cropping system(RWCS)of the South Asia is labour-,water-,capital-and energy-intensive,and become less profitable as the availability of these resources diminished.This could be further aggravated with deterioration of soil structure,declining underground water and lesser land and water productivity which ultimately are threat in front of sustainable and profitable RWCS in the region.For improving the profits,production and sustainability of this sequence-a paradigm shift is required.Scientists recommended different resource-conserving technologies(RCTs)viz.zero tillage,laser levelling,irrigation based on soil matric potential,bed planting,direct seeding,mechanical transplanting of rice and crop diversification for this purpose.These technologies are site specific and before selecting any particular RCT for a particular region,soil texture and agro-climatic conditions must be considered.A solitary approach/RCT might not be effective to solve the upcoming issue of producing more food grains with inadequate available water and land.Therefore,an integrated approach is required.But before implementing any approach,different issues relating to RWCS must be discovered,considered and addressed in a holistic manner.In this review,an attempt was made to highlight different issues resulted from the practise of intensive rice–wheat cropping sequence of the region,which must be considered while framing and implementing any integrated approach/project such as conservation agriculture for improving the productions,profits and sustainability of RWCS in the region.

Sustainable food production in marginal lands--Case of GDLA member countries

Sustainable food production in the changing climate and dwindling water resources in the Global Dry Land Alliance(GDLA)member countries is a real challenge,especially when considering marginal lands in dryland systems.The definition of marginal land is very vague and defined from different perspectives(pragmatism about marginal lands).Dryland itself indicates"marginality"due to water stress.In general,the abandoned agriculture land where food production is not economical,and has low inherent productivity potential is considered marginal;however,a land may be marginal for agriculture but vital for grazing.In this paper attempts have been made to give review of literature(water stress,extent of marginal saline lands,marginality).Policy matters(development of soil,water and agriculture strategies)that GDLA and member countries should consider for future sustainable food production in their countries,including but not limited to,assessment of land resources for agriculture potential,defining,mapping and characterizing marginal lands,and use of innovative technologies(conservation agriculture,climate smart agriculture,integrated soil reclamation program and capacity building)for food production,are discussed.The international perception(FAO,UNEP,CGIAR)on marginal lands is also described.An innovative approach of using national biocapacity and ecological footprint is used to assess marginality of GDLA member countries.Ecological overshoot(using 1.5 earth planets)and biocapacity debtor and creditor countries are highlighted.Challenges and best management practices for food production in marginal lands are included.Other important issues,like leasing land abroad,GDLA strategic food reserves and best management practices,innovative ideas for food production are shared.Finally recommendations are drafted for actions by GDLA,its member countries and the partners.