Journal of Sustainable Agriculture · 1995 · 16 citations · 0 references
AgricultureCrop SciencesSustainable AgricultureCrop ModelingCrop ProductionCropping SystemsAgricultural AdaptationAgricultural Climate AdaptationClimate ChangeCrop Production EconomicsCropping System SustainabilitySustainable Cropping SystemsClimate Change Impacts On CropsClimate Change Impacts On YieldCo2 Fertilization EffectCrop Adaptation To Climate VariabilityCrop Yield ImpactsFertilizationSustainable Crop ProductionWeather-driven Yield Variability
The effects of climatic changes on the sustainability of the wheat economy of southwestern Saskatchewan are examined. A crop yield-climate model is estimated and then used to project yields under a double-CO2 atmosphere. Even when a CO2-fertilization effect and technical change are taken into account, the projections indicate there will be a decline in yields. This decline is worsened if weather variability were also to increase. Given the marginal nature of crop production in the region to begin with, it is likely that crop production in large parts of the region will cease; the wheat economy of the region is not sustainable and government policies need to be developed with this in mind.