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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 October 2018) | Viewed by 102083

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Dr. Annelie Holzkämper

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Guest Editor

Agroscope, Institute for Sustainability Sciences, Climate and Air Pollution Group, CH-8046 Zurich, Switzerland
Interests: climate change impacts on agriculture; crop modelling; adaptation planning

Dr. Sibylle Stöckli

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Guest Editor

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Crop Sciences, Ackerstrasse 113, P.O. Box 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
Interests: pest population ecology; plant protection strategies; agro-ecology; climate change adaptation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change is altering agricultural production conditions across the globe. With increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought, reduce yield potentials and shift agricultural production zones. Simultaneously, climate change directly affects the physiology, phenology, and distribution of agricultural pests and diseases. Furthermore, there is an indirect impact of climate change on organisms through site conditions (e.g., water or soil quality). With the projected further temperature increase, agricultural pests and diseases are expected to occur more frequently and possibly extend to previously non-affected regions.

Adaptations are required to mitigate negative consequences of climate change and to exploit emerging new potentials, while avoiding negative impacts on the environment. On the short run, shifts in sowing, cultivar choice, soil or irrigation management can be suitable adaptation options; on the long run more drastic transformational changes might be required, involving, for example, fundamental changes in production systems or in institutional structures. In general, local adaptive capacity is key to adaptation success and interdisciplinary research is needed to guide the process of adaptation planning.

We invite experimental and modelling studies investigating the effectiveness of different adaptation options, but also qualitative and quantitative studies exploring drivers of adaptive capacity and resilience of local production systems.

Dr. Annelie Holzkämper
Dr. Sibylle Stöckli
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Climate change impacts
Adaptive capacity
Climate resilience

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth, Yield Performance and Quality Parameters of Three Early Flowering Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Genotypes Cultivated in Southwestern Germany

by Samantha J. Grimes, Timothy D. Phillips, Volker Hahn, Filippo Capezzone and Simone Graeff-Hönninger

Agriculture 2018, 8(10), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8100154 - 2 Oct 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5609

Abstract

The combination of consumer’s ongoing demand for chia (Salvia hispanica L.) alongside the increased demand for regionally produced food products provided the impetus for this study. Its aim was to test if a regional cultivation of new chia genotypes, which were adapted to day lengths greater than 12 h, is feasible under Central European conditions. Therefore, three early flowering chia genotypes (Sahi Alba 914, W13.1, G8) were cultivated in a randomized block design at two experimental stations in Southwestern Germany (Ihinger Hof, Eckartsweier) over the course of two years (2015, 2016). Mean yields ranged from 100 to 1290 kg ha⁻¹. Mucilage content ranged from 9.5% to 12.2%, while the crude protein content ranged from 17.2% to 25.0%. Crude oil content fell in the range of 30.9–33.7% and the PUFA:SAT ratio ranged from 4.0 to 9.4, whereas the omega6:omega3 ratio varied from 0.27 to 0.5. As chia seed yields surpassed yield levels obtained by their countries of origin and as quality parameters obtained, were in line with the genotypes cultivated in their countries of origin, it can be assumed that a regional chia production in Southwestern Germany offers great potential, being ecologically and economically profitable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a Warming Micro‐Climate on Muooni Farmers of Kenya

by Cush Ngonzo Luwesi, Joy Apiyo Obando and Chris Allan Shisanya

Agriculture 2017, 7(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture7030020 - 7 Mar 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6020

Abstract

Rainfed agriculture has become highly vulnerable to the depleting water resources in most arid and semi‐arid tropics (ASATs) under the effect of climate change. The impact has certainly been very high in Muooni catchment where more than 99% of the natural forest has been cleared. The warming micro‐climate is accelerated by extended deforestation, unsustainable irrigation, and water over‐abstraction in the catchment by eucalyptus and other exotic trees. The dwindling crop yields add to the farmer’s suffering. Farming communities have created various innovative ways of coping with a warming environment to increase their agriculture resiliency. These include, among others, rain water management, reforestation and agro‐forestry. To what extent have these practices been disturbed by the increasing temperatures, and decreasing rainfalls and river discharges in Muooni catchment? This study used statistical forecast techniques to unveil the past, current and future variations of the micro‐climate in Muooni catchment, and relevant factors determining farmers’ vulnerability to drought. Muooni catchment is warming by 0.8 to 1.2 °C in a century as a result of a changing micro‐climate. These changes are mainly driven by deforestation due to the high urbanization rate and agricultural practices in Muooni catchment. Centennial rainfall is subsequently plummeting at 30 to 50 mm while discharges are decreasing from 0.01 to 0.05 m3∙s−1, with unmet water demands of 30% to 95% and above. In view of the current trends of the population growth and urbanization in Muooni, agricultural expansion is seriously threatened if no appropriate policy, extension service and science based emergency measures are put in place by the Government of Kenya. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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5279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Projecting Future Change in Growing Degree Days for Winter Wheat

by Natalie Ruiz Castillo and Carlos F. Gaitán Ospina

Agriculture 2016, 6(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6030047 - 15 Sep 2016

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6677

Abstract

Southwest Oklahoma is one of the most productive regions in the Great Plains (USA) where winter wheat is produced. To assess the effect of climate change on the growing degree days (GDD) available for winter wheat production, we selected from the CMIP5 archive, two of the best performing Global Climate Models (GCMs) for the region (MIROC5 and CCSM4) to project the future change in GDD under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 and 4.5 future trajectories for greenhouse gas concentrations. Two quantile mapping methods were applied to both GCMs to obtain local scale projections. The local scale outputs were applied to a GDD formula to show the GDD changes between the historical period (1961–2004) and the future period (2006–2098) in terms of mean differences. The results show that at the end of the 2098 growing season, the increase in GDD is expected to be between 440 °C and 1300 °C, for RCP 4.5, and between 700 °C and 1350 °C for RCP 8.5. This increase in GDD might cause a decrease in the number of days required to reach crop maturity, as all the GCM/statistical post-processing combinations showed a decreasing trend of those timings during the 21st century. Furthermore, we conclude, that when looking at the influence of the selected GCMs and the quantile mapping methods on the GDD calculation, the GCMs differences originated from the significant spatial and temporal variations of GDD over the region and not the statistical methods tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engaging Farmers in Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Assessing Intercropping as a Means to Support Farm Adaptive Capacity

by Sari J Himanen, Hanna Mäkinen, Karoliina Rimhanen and Riitta Savikko

Agriculture 2016, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6030034 - 29 Jul 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 10574

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable and adaptation-prone sources of livelihood facing climate change. Joint adaptation planning by farmers and researchers can help develop practically feasible and environmentally and economically sound adaptation actions as well as encourage the proactive building of farm adaptive capacity. Here, the perceptions of Finnish farmers and rural stakeholders regarding intercropping, the cultivation of two or more crop genotypes together in time and space, as a means to prepare for climate change, were collected in an open workshop. Our aim was to identify the potentials and challenges associated with intercropping, its role as an adaptation strategy, and in farm adaptive capacity. Qualitative analysis revealed better yield security, increased nutrient and protein self-sufficiency, soil conservation and maintenance, reduced pathogen pressure and regulation of water dynamics as the main perceived potentials of intercropping. Potentials relating to the farm economy and environment were also recognized. The main challenges associated with intercropping were related to the lack of information on crop variety performance and optimal yielding in mixtures, industry and policy requirements for seed purity, more complicated crop management and harvesting, and the economic risks associated with experimenting with novel mixtures. Nitrogen-fixing legumes; deep-rooted species, such as lucerne (Medicago sativa L.); special crops, such as herbs in forage mixtures; and autumn-sown winter oilseeds and cereals were highlighted as the most promising intercrops. Because the recognized potentials relate to the safeguarding of field cropping from anticipated climate change and the associated weather variability, we conclude that intercropping can serve as one adaptation strategy to strengthen the adaptive capacity of Finnish farms. However, assuring markets and policies that allow the development of intercropping, performing experiments to assess the benefits and implement options in practice, and providing farmers and farm advisors with more knowledge on the method represent the critical prerequisites for the broader adoption of intercropping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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6668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Management as an Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change in Early Modern Era: A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Europe

by Qing Pei, David D. Zhang, Harry F. Lee and Guodong Li

Agriculture 2016, 6(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6030029 - 12 Jul 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 10695

Abstract

Effective adaptation determines agricultural vulnerability to climate change, especially in the pre-industrial era. Crop management as an agricultural adaptation to climate change in recent human history, however, has rarely been systematically evaluated. Using Europe as our study area, we statistically compared yield ratio of wheat, rye, barley, and oats (an important performance indicator of an agrarian economy) between Eastern and Western Europe in AD 1500–1800. In particular, a statistical comparison was made of crop yield ratio in the two regions during the warm agricultural recovery period AD 1700–1800. The general trend of crop yield in Eastern and Western Europe basically followed the alternation of climatic epochs, in which the extreme cooling period in AD 1560–1660 drastically reduced the crop yield ratio. The yield ratio of rye in Eastern and Western Europe was very similar throughout the entire study period. However, the yield ratio of wheat, barley, and oats showed different patterns in the two regions and increased drastically in Western Europe in the warm agricultural recovery period, which might have contributed to rapid socio-economic development in Western Europe and eventually the East–West Divide in Europe in the following centuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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1636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small Scale Farmers’ Indigenous Agricultural Adaptation Options in the Face of Declining or Stagnant Crop Yields in the Fako and Meme Divisions of Cameroon

by Terence Epule Epule and Christopher Robin Bryant

Agriculture 2016, 6(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6020022 - 24 May 2016

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 12646

Abstract

Research has proven that, at a national scale in Cameroon, arable crop production is either declining or stagnant. In the face of these trends, governments, local and international organizations, communities and peasant farmers have developed adaptation options to sustain arable production and reduce poverty. Given this general context, and based on population perceptions and four study sites in the Southwest region of Cameroon, this study aims at verifying current trends in arable production and farmers’ adaptation options based on their indigenous knowledge. These analyses are based on the administration of 200 questionnaires and two focus group discussions (FGDs). The data were analysed using SPSS version 20 in which frequencies, percentages and means were calculated. In addition, the chi-squared statistical test of goodness of fit was calculated and the stated hypothesis was validated accordingly. The FGDs were analysed through verbatim transcriptions and with the aid of the context analysis software, Wordstat 7. The results show that current yields (2010–2014) in all the study sites are declining due to deforestation, poor governance, inadequate access to farm inputs such as fertilizers, increased economic opportunities elsewhere and a breakdown of cultural practices, while 10 years (2000–2010) previously, they had been increasing. It has also been found that the main adaptation options/coping mechanisms reported by the respondents in order of highest frquencies are: expansion of farm size, help from relatives and dependents that live on the farm, supplemental occupations or livelihood diversification and usage of organic fertilizers. From the chi-squared test, the alternate hypothesis that, “there is some difference between population proportions for different adaptation options or coping mechanisms” is validated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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16 pages, 4043 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cereal Production Trends under Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in Southern Africa

by Luxon Nhamo, Greenwell Matchaya, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Sibusiso Nhlengethwa, Charles Nhemachena and Sylvester Mpandeli

Agriculture 2019, 9(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9020030 - 1 Feb 2019

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 12758

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, coupled with increasing temperatures and declining rainfall totals, are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in southern Africa. Agriculture is the most affected sector as 95% of cultivated area is rainfed. This review addressed trends in moisture stress and the impacts on crop production, highlighting adaptation possible strategies to ensure food security in southern Africa. Notable changes in rainfall patterns and deficiencies in soil moisture are estimated and discussed, as well as the impact of rainfall variability on crop production and proposed adaptation strategies in agriculture. Climate moisture index (CMI) was used to assess aridity levels. Southern Africa is described as a climate hotspot due to increasing aridity, low adaptive capacity, underdevelopment and marginalisation. Although crop yields have been increasing due to increases in irrigated area and use of improved seed varieties, they have not been able to meet the food requirements of a growing population, compromising regional food security targets. Most countries in the region depend on international aid to supplement yield deficits. The recurrence of droughts caused by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) continue devastating the region, affecting livelihoods, economies and the environment. An example is the 2015/2016 ENSO drought that caused the region to call for international aid to feed about 40 million people. In spite of the water scarcity challenges, cereal production continues to increase steadily due to increased investment in irrigated agriculture and improved crop varieties. Given the current and future vulnerability of the agriculture sector in southern Africa, proactive adaptation interventions are important to help farming communities develop resilient systems to adapt to the changes and variability in climate and other stressors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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12 pages, 1831 KiB

Open AccessReview

Glassworts: From Wild Salt Marsh Species to Sustainable Edible Crops

by Danilo Loconsole, Giuseppe Cristiano and Barbara De Lucia

Agriculture 2019, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9010014 - 8 Jan 2019

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 8095

Abstract

Halophytes are naturally adapted in saline environments, where they benefit from the substantial amounts of salt in the growth media. The need for salt-tolerant crops increases as substantial percentages of cultivated land worldwide are affected by salinity. There are few protocols, guidelines, or trials for glasswort (Salicornia (L.) and Sarcocornia (Scott), belong to the Amaranthaceae) field cultivation. The high salt tolerance and content in bioactive compounds make glassworts one of the most important candidates for future use both for fresh and processed food, due to their functional and health properties. This review describes the glassworts respect to their biodiversity and the most important factors affecting propagation, salt tolerance traits, agro-techniques and yields, food uses and nutraceutical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Change: Seed Production and Options for Adaptation

by John G. Hampton, Anthony J. Conner, Birte Boelt, Thomas G. Chastain and Phil Rolston

Agriculture 2016, 6(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6030033 - 26 Jul 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 14980

Abstract

Food security depends on seed security and the international seed industry must be able to continue to deliver the quantities of quality seed required for this purpose. Abiotic stress resulting from climate change, particularly elevated temperature and water stress, will reduce seed yield and quality. Options for the seed industry to adapt to climate change include moving sites for seed production, changing sowing date, and the development of cultivars with traits which allow them to adapt to climate change conditions. However, the ability of seed growers to make these changes is directly linked to the seed system. In the formal seed system operating in developed countries, implementation will be reasonably straight forward. In the informal system operating in developing countries, the current seed production challenges including supply failing to meet demand and poor seed quality will increase with changing climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

1669 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selection and Breeding of Suitable Crop Genotypes for Drought and Heat Periods in a Changing Climate: Which Morphological and Physiological Properties Should Be Considered?

by Lyudmila Simova-Stoilova, Valya Vassileva and Urs Feller

Agriculture 2016, 6(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture6020026 - 1 Jun 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 12696

Abstract

Selection and breeding of genotypes with improved drought/heat tolerance become key issues in the course of global change with predicted increased frequency of droughts or heat waves. Several morphological and physiological plant traits must be considered. Rooting depth, root branching, nutrient acquisition, mycorrhization, nodulation in legumes and the release of nutrients, assimilates or phytohormones to the shoot are relevant in root systems. Xylem embolism and its repair after a drought, development of axillary buds and solute channeling via xylem (acropetal) and phloem (basipetal and acropetal) are key processes in the stem. The photosynthetically active biomass depends on leaf expansion and senescence. Cuticle thickness and properties, epicuticular waxes, stomatal regulation including responses to phytohormones, stomatal plugs and mesophyll resistance are involved in optimizing leaf water relations. Aquaporins, dehydrins, enzymes involved in the metabolism of compatible solutes (e.g., proline) and Rubisco activase are examples for proteins involved in heat or drought susceptibility. Assimilate redistribution from leaves to maturing fruits via the phloem influences yield quantity and quality. Proteomic analyses allow a deeper insight into the network of stress responses and may serve as a basis to identify suitable genotypes, although improved stress tolerance will have its price (often lowered productivity under optimal conditions). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Options for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change)

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