Chapter 10 : Agriculture and Rural Communities. Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: The Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II

Gowda, Prasanna H.; Steiner, Jean L.; Olson, Carolyn; Boggess, Mark; Farrigan, Tracey L.; Grusak, Michael A.

doi:10.7930/nca4.2018.ch10

Cited by 60 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 233 publications

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“…There is a need to develop more resilient, multifunctional agricultural systems, particularly given risks posed by climate change to farm productivity and environmental outcomes [1–3]. Specifically, water-related risks from increased rainfall variability include soil erosion and water pollution, degradation of soil quality, and reductions to crop yields [4–6]. Although soils are vulnerable to water-related risks, they are also being recognized as a medium to mitigate such risk when managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem benefits, beyond maximizing crop production [7,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing infiltration rates in soils managed with conventional and alternative farming methods: A meta-analysis

2019

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Identifying agricultural practices that enhance water cycling is critical, particularly with increased rainfall variability and greater risks of droughts and floods. Soil infiltration rates offer useful insights to water cycling in farming systems because they affect both yields (through soil water availability) and other ecosystem outcomes (such as pollution and flooding from runoff). For example, conventional agricultural practices that leave soils bare and vulnerable to degradation are believed to limit the capacity of soils to quickly absorb and retain water needed for crop growth. Further, it is widely assumed that farming methods such as no-till and cover crops can improve infiltration rates. Despite interest in the impacts of agricultural practices on infiltration rates, this effect has not been systematically quantified across a range of practices. To evaluate how conventional practices affect infiltration rates relative to select alternative practices (no-till, cover crops, crop rotation, introducing perennials, crop and livestock systems), we performed a meta-analysis that included 89 studies with field trials comparing at least one such alternative practice to conventional management. We found that introducing perennials (grasses, agroforestry, managed forestry) or cover crops led to the largest increases in infiltration rates (mean responses of 59.2 ± 20.9% and 34.8 ± 7.7%, respectively). Also, although the overall effect of no-till was non-significant (5.7 ± 9.7%), the practice led to increases in wetter climates and when combined with residue retention. The effect of crop rotation on infiltration rate was non-significant (18.5 ± 13.2%), and studies evaluating impacts of grazing on croplands indicated that this practice reduced infiltration rates (-21.3 ± 14.9%). Findings suggest that practices promoting ground cover and continuous roots, both of which improve soil structure, were most effective at increasing infiltration rates.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing infiltration rates in soils managed with conventional and alternative farming methods: A meta-analysis

2019

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“…A recent special report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on climate change and land indicated that the growing demand for beef (or generally red meat) has a significant impact on land resources, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emission which consequently can have a positive feedback on (i.e., accelerating) climate [5]. The importance of the beef industry to the United States (US) arises from its significant contribution to the economy as livestock production accounts for about half of the total farm revenue (~$137 billion) [6]. At the same time, the US's Fourth National Climate Assessment highlighted an observed and projected decline in livestock production that was linked to climate change impact through resources consumption (e.g., water and energy) and degradation (pasture land) [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The importance of the beef industry to the United States (US) arises from its significant contribution to the economy as livestock production accounts for about half of the total farm revenue (~$137 billion) [6]. At the same time, the US's Fourth National Climate Assessment highlighted an observed and projected decline in livestock production that was linked to climate change impact through resources consumption (e.g., water and energy) and degradation (pasture land) [6]. Unless there is a clear understanding of the factors affecting this industry coupled with a science-based balanced vision about its impact on climate, enhancing the sustainability of this industry would be a great challenge [7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Evaluation of Historical Trends in New Mexico Beef Cattle Production in Relation to Climate and Energy

et al. 2019

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In support of Food-Energy-Water Systems (FEWS) analysis to enhance its sustainability for New Mexico (NM), this study evaluated observed trends in beef cattle population in response to environmental and economic changes. The specific goal was to provide an improved understanding of the behavior of NM’s beef cattle production systems relative to precipitation, temperature, rangeland conditions, production of hay and crude oil, and prices of hay and crude oil. Historical data of all variables were available for the 1973–2017 period. The analysis was conducted using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models. The results indicated declining trends in beef cattle population and prices. The most important predictors of beef cattle population variation were hay production, mean annual hay prices, and mean annual temperature, whereas mean annual temperature, cattle feed sold, and crude oil production were the most important predictors for calf population that weigh under 500 lb. Prices of beef cattle showed a strong positive relationship with crude oil production, mean annual hay prices, rangeland conditions, and mean annual precipitation. However, mean annual temperature had a negative relationship with mean annual beef prices. Variation in mean annual calf prices was explained by hay production, mean annual temperature, and crude oil production. This analysis suggested that NM’s beef cattle production systems were affected mainly and directly by mean annual temperature and crude oil production, and to a lesser extent by other factors studied in this research.

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“…For example, in 2011, there were $7.62 billion in losses reported for agricultural producers in Texas due to drought (Fannin, 2012). In 2012, an extreme drought in the US Midwest led to yield reductions of 15 to 25% (Burke and Emerick, 2016), with two-thirds of US counties declared as disaster areas and losses of $14.5 billion (Gowda et al, 2018). In 2019, rain and flooding caused historic delays in planting for many states in the Great Plains and Midwest regions, leading to greater uncertainty (Nepveux, 2019;.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Of those that focused on cooperative extension agents, most are focused on the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States (Haigh et al, 2015;Becerra et al, 2016). This coupled with the nationally identified need for more research on potential obstacles to the adoption of adaptation techniques and methods for increasing adaptive capacity (Gowda et al, 2018), makes this type of research a high priority. Therefore, our study identified (1) climate change-related perceptions and (2) priority subject areas and training needs for cooperative extension agents, with responsibilities in agriculture and natural resources throughout Tennessee.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Training Needs

Koff

Broyles

2019

Natural Sciences Education

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Core Ideas The majority of extension agents believed the climate was changing and that it was caused by both natural changes and human activities. The priority of climate change for extension was lower than for the federal category, indicating potential educational need areas in relevant adaptation strategies for farmers and examples of local climate change impacts. Specific need areas identified for training included weather variability, agronomic decisions, disease, and pests. With the current and expected impacts of climate change on the agricultural industry, it is important to provide information to farmers to allow them to adapt and reduce their risk of loss. Extension agents are an important resource and serve as intermediaries between scientists and farmers to provide this information. There is little research, however, related to agents’ perceptions of and needs for climate change–related information and no research in the southeastern United States. Survey research was conducted in 2018 with all extension agents in Tennessee who had responsibilities in agriculture and natural resources (n = 138), leading to a response rate of 72% (n = 100). Most agents (78%) believed climate was changing and was caused by both natural changes and human activities (62%). Agents believed climate change was a greater (medium + high + very high level) priority for the federal government (72%) than for extension (58%), which may indicate needs related to understanding potential adaptation strategies for farmers and local examples of impacts of climate change. In general, across the pertinent demographic information collected, older, male agents with more extension experience were less likely to agree that the climate is changing and more likely to identify lower priority levels for climate change in extension. Specific need areas identified by agents and their stakeholders included information on weather variability, agronomic decisions, disease, and pests.

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Chapter 10 : Agriculture and Rural Communities. Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: The Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II

Cited by 60 publications

References 233 publications

Comparing infiltration rates in soils managed with conventional and alternative farming methods: A meta-analysis

Comparing infiltration rates in soils managed with conventional and alternative farming methods: A meta-analysis

An Evaluation of Historical Trends in New Mexico Beef Cattle Production in Relation to Climate and Energy

Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Training Needs

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