Assessment of Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Strategies for Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The study was performed to assess the impact of climate change on spatiotemporal changes in rainfed maize yield. Climate projections data of MIROC-ESM-CHEM model from CMIP6 was used for future climatic scenarios in the maize growing areas of Dindigul and Perambalur districts of Tamil Nadu. The DSSAT model was used to simulate maize yield and evaluate adaptation strategies for base period (1991-2020), the mid (2040-2069) and end centuries (2070-2099) under SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The simulation finding shows that, in all scenarios maize yield declined in both Dindigul (7 to 9% and 11 to 12%) and Perambalur (6 to 9% and 11 to 13%) during mid and end centuries respectively from the base period (1991-2020). Following the adaptation strategies such as delayed sowing, the yield was increased in both Dindigul (5 to 6% and 4 to 5%) and Perambalur (4 to 5% and 5 to 6%) with respect to normal sowing date. The results of this study would help in developing adaptation strategies for minimizing the adverse effects of the projected climate in maize-growing districts of Tamil Nadu.