Case Study on Potential Agricultural Responses to Climate Change in a California Landscape
Louise E. Jackson, Stephen M. Wheeler, Alan D. Hollander, Toby O'Geen, Benjamin S. Orlove, Johan Six, Daniel Sumner, Fernando Santos-Martin, Joel Kramer, William Horwath, Richard E. Howitt, and Thomas Tomich. 2011 Case study on potential agricultural responses to climate change in a California lands
21 Pages Posted: 19 Feb 2014
Date Written: September 26, 2011
Abstract
Agriculture in the Central Valley of California, one of the USA’s main sources of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts in the next 50 years. This interdisciplinary case study in Yolo County shows the urgency f or building adaptation strategies to climate change. Although climate change and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions are complex, many of the county ’s current crops will be less viable in 2050. The study uses a variety of methods to assemble information relevant to Yolo County ’s agriculture, including literature reviews, models, geographic information system analysis, interviews with agency personnel, and a survey of farmers. Potential adaptation and mitigation responses by growers include changes in crop taxa, irrigation methods, fertilization practices, tillage practices, and land use. On a regional basis, planning must consider the vulnerability of agricultural production and the tradeoffs associated with diversified farmlands, drought, flooding of cropland, loss of habitat for wild species of concern, and urbanization.
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