Physical Consequences of Climate Change on Agriculture: Causes and Effects

Abstract

Climate is the most important predictor of agricultural productivity. Concerns about the potential impact of climate change on agriculture have motivated considerable research developments in the last few decades. The research on the physical consequences of climate change on agriculture, such as changes in crop and livestock yields, as well as the economic ramifications of these potential yield going on quite aggressively. The current review examines the information and data associated with impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and sustainability for solving this complex problem. The global food and nutrition security are at risk due to consequences of climate change.  Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, emissions from human activity, primarily from changes in land use, have resulted in a huge increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This rise is altering the climate, and it will only get worse throughout the course of the 21st century. Since agricultural systems are especially susceptible to climate change (CC), efforts to increase crop productivity while also maximizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact may not be successful. Not only productivity, the population of microbes and their enzymatic activities in soil are also impacted by climate change. Different strategies and technologies like zero tillage, site specific nutrient management, application of efficient irrigation system (drip) etc. are helpful to avoid the effect of climate change on agriculture and ultimately increase productivity.