Impacts of Climate Variability and Soil Fertility Management Strategies on Maize Grain Yield on Ferrralsols in Coastal Western Africa
2013
Amouzou, Kokou Adambounou | Ezui, Kodjovi Senam | Sogbedji, Jean Mianikpo
The concern about climate change and its effects on agriculture continue to stimulate research and policy interests. This study assessed changes in weather using observed daily rainfall, temperature and solar radiation for a 30-yr period (1981 to 2011) and determined the effects of climate change scenarios generated with the MAGICC and SCENGEN models, soil fertility management practices and maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars on maize crop yield using the DSSAT-CERES-Maize simulation model. Results indicated that the ambient temperature increased by 0.46 and 1.01° C for the 1991 to 2000 and 2001 to 2010 periods, respectively, as compared with the 1981-1990 decade. The rainfall declined by 10% from 1991 to 2000 and increased by 20% from 2001 to 2010 with May and June being the wettest months during the 30-year period. Rainfall variability minimally affected maize grain yield. Climatic warming by 1.0 and 3.0° C resulted in yield depression by 18 and 38%, respectively, with fertilized maize crop, and 5 and 12% without fertilization. Increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration by 400-550 vpm enhanced maize grain yield by 3 to 11% but that positive effect did not offset the depressive effect of increased temperature. Integrated soil fertility management proved capable to improving maize grain yield and enhancing the resilience of the crop to climate change, but the capability was a function of crop cultivar. This study determined that climatic warming and its adverse effects on crop production are evident but appropriate soil and crop management practices may be an asset towards mitigating those effects.
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