Crop Management, Climate change, and Topographical influences on Potato Crop Yield in Idaho, 1990-2020

Keywords: Climate Change, elevation, Potato crop yield, pesticides
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 38

Abstract

Over the past 30 years climate change has caused significant warming, and now poses a threat to agriculture. Specifically, warming temperatures in northern latitudes are suspected to make pest migration more prevalent. This resulted in impacts to northern states like Idaho, which has been the nation’s leading producer of potato crops. This study analyzed the relationship between climate change, chemical treatments, and crop yield in Idaho between 1990 – 2020 on the state and county level. This was done by comparing annual potato crop yield with atmospheric gas concentrations, annual pesticide use, average elevation within the county, and climate variables like air temperature, precipitation, and climate extremes. I used linear regression models to statistically compare each combination of variables. The research found that, on the state level, potato crop yield is drought-sensitive and nearly unaffected by excessive amounts of precipitation. As the average ozone layer increases, the total amount of pesticides used decreases. There is a statistically significant relationship between potato crop yield, and independent variables: particulate matter 10, chemical treatments, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Further research was conducted to study this phenomenon at the state level. Performing a county level analysis allowed for a more representative 30-year record of potato crop production and pesticide use. To understand potential causes regarding potato crops being nearly unaffected by excess precipitation, elevation was introduced into the study. Idaho is a mountainous state with a significant water body; it is necessary to consider factors such as crop distribution, runoff, and elevation levels.