Integrated irrigation and nitrogen optimization is a resource-efficient adaptation strategy for US maize and soybean...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Environmental Sustainability

Background:

• Climate change presents significant threats to global agriculture and crop yields.
• The synergistic effects of nitrogen and water management on crop adaptation remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined impact of nitrogen and water inputs on agricultural adaptation to climate change.
• To identify resource-efficient strategies for mitigating climate-related yield losses in major US crops.

Main Methods:

• Development of regression models utilizing US county-level agricultural data from 2008-2020.
• Simulation of climate change scenarios (1.5°C and 3°C warming) to assess impacts on crop production.
• Economic analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of proposed adaptation strategies.

Main Results:

• Integrated optimization of irrigation and nitrogen inputs is the most resource-efficient strategy to offset climate-related yield losses.
• Specific adjustments in water and nitrogen application for maize and soybean under projected warming scenarios were quantified.
• The proposed strategy significantly reduces unsustainable irrigation withdrawals, enhancing water sustainability for both crops.

Conclusions:

• Optimized nitrogen and water management is crucial for resilient agriculture in a changing climate.
• This integrated approach offers a cost-effective solution for over 80% of US maize and soybean production.
• The findings underscore the critical role of strategic input management in climate change adaptation for agriculture.