Changing Climate Could Benefit U.S. Corn Growers
A study conducted by researchers Bruno Basso and Joe Ritchie with Michigan State University found that climate change could result in unexpected benefits for U.S. corn growers.
Midwestern corn-growing states can expect to see warmer summers, and higher temperatures and humidity, which can drive greater plant growth and boost yields. The study indicates that daily low temperatures during the summer across the region are rising, but the daily high temperatures are remaining steady or falling, resulting in greater vapor in the air and lower levels of evaporation.
The less energy needed to convert water to vapor can convert to greater efficiency for the crop along the growing season, while warmer temperatures will allow for the cultivation of longer season hybrids that can produce greater yields.
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