Adapting to Climate Challenges for Ag

Eric Yu is a 9th grader at West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School in West Lafayette.

Climate change is affecting numerous aspects of our life, arguably the most important one being food. Crops around the world are facing temperature changes, unpredictable rainfall, and numerous pests. Farmers are finding ways to adapt to the new environment to help their plants survive the ever-changing environment. Some strategies they are using include heat-resistant crops. The Environmental Protection Agency and The National Climate Assessment raise concerns on how exactly farmers and researchers are impacting solutions to problems with crops due to Climate change. 

Yu Peng, a graduate student working under Professor Gabriel Filippelli at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Indiana University Indianapolis answers some of the many questions on how climate change is impacting crop yields and how farmers are changing strategies to combat global warming. [Disclosure, Dr. Filippelli is on the Board of Directors for YEPT parent organization, Earth Charter Indiana.]

Yu: How do rising temperatures impact the growth and yield of staple crops like corn and soybeans?

Peng: High temperatures speed up crop development, shortening growth periods and lowering yields. Extreme heat disrupts photosynthesis and increases the risk of pests and diseases.

Yu: Are certain crops more resilient to heat stress, and could they replace traditional crops in places like Indiana?

Peng: Yes, crops like cowpeas and millet are more heat- and drought-resistant, and some crops have been bred for heat tolerance. However, corn and soybeans are unlikely to be replaced due to climate, history, and farming practices.

Yu: How do changes in rainfall patterns, such as heavier downpours or longer dry periods, affect soil health and planting schedules?

Peng: Heavy rains cause soil erosion, nutrient loss, and seed burial, while dry periods harm soil moisture and microbial activity.

Yu: What strategies are farmers using to manage water more effectively in unpredictable conditions?

Peng: Farmers use drought-resistant crops, drainage systems, and water storage, as well as nature-based solutions like no-till farming and cover crops. AI-based irrigation is being developed.

March 4, 2025, drought assessment, courtesy of USDA.

Yu: How does a warmer climate influence the spread of pests, weeds, and crop diseases?

Peng: Warmer climates speed up pest life cycles and migration, while weeds may grow faster and herbicides become less effective.

Yu: Are there specific pest-resistant crops or techniques being developed to handle this issue?

Peng: Genetic modification and selective breeding are options, but I prefer agroecological practices like crop rotation, cover crops, and no-till farming to manage pests and weeds.

Yu: What innovative technologies or farming methods are being tested to make crops more resilient to climate change?

Peng: Agroforestry, cover crops, and conservation tillage are being used to improve resilience. Techniques like water harvesting and crop diversification also help.

Yu: How is genetic modification or selective breeding being used to develop heat-tolerant or drought-resistant crops?

Peng: Genetic modification inserts genes from other plants, while selective breeding cross-breeds plants with heat tolerance and drought resistance to boost resilience.

Yu: How are farmers coping financially with crop losses caused by extreme weather?

Peng: Farmers rely on crop insurance, federal disaster assistance, and programs like agriculture risk coverage. Grants and low-interest loans also help with recovery.

Yu: What role do insurance or government programs play in helping farmers adapt to these changes?

Peng: Financial aid supports farmers in adopting climate-smart practices. Over time, this may prove to be a worthwhile investment, though carbon credits are also gaining attention.

Yu: Based on current trends, what do you predict will be the biggest challenges for crop production in the next 20-30 years?

Peng: Climate change and its effects on crop yields and production patterns will reshape ecosystems, livelihoods, and agricultural systems. Once we reach certain tipping points, the changes may become irreversible.

Yu: Are there any promising solutions on the horizon that could help secure food production despite a warming climate?

Peng: Nature-based solutions, like agroforestry, remain a low-cost approach that has no additional burden on the environment.

Yu: How do changes in farming practices to adapt to global warming impact other aspects of the environment, like water quality or biodiversity?

Peng: Climate-adapted practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit the environment, like cover crops and no-till farming.

Yu: Could climate-smart agriculture help reduce agriculture's contribution to global warming?

Peng: Yes, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enhances soil carbon sequestration, and boosts resource efficiency. However, these practices must be tailored to local conditions.

Yu: What would you recommend to young people interested in addressing the impacts of global warming on agriculture?

Peng: Get involved by engaging with farmers, learning in the field, and advocating for climate action. Agriculture can play a role in climate mitigation while supporting businesses and families.

Yu: How can students or communities get involved in research or solutions to support farmers?

Peng: Start with personal action, raise awareness about sustainable farming, volunteer for research institutions, and advocate for policy changes. Communities can also help through citizen science and supporting local gardens.

As Yu Peng points out, climate change is forcing agriculture to adapt to a changing world. With rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and new pest challenges, farmers are finding different ways to keep crops like corn and soybeans thriving. From using heat-resistant crops to switching to sustainable farming practices, these strategies are helping farmers face the future. Through research and adaptation, agriculture can weather the storms of climate change and ensure a more sustainable food supply moving forward. Research in Indiana and elsewhere continues to find effective strategies to reduce the impact of climate change on crops. Anyone can contribute to the fight against climate change by buying plants or locally grown produce. Every small action helps.