Recent changes in weather and crop growth drivers for the Western Australian grainbelt and potential impacts on crop growth
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
3-8-2021
Journal Title
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Keywords
rainfall, drought, crop growth, rain events, crop production, crop yield
Disciplines
Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Climate
Abstract
For ten locations in the Western Australian grainbelt we found a decline in winter (June to August) rainfall and an increase in out of season rainfall (November to March) in the past two decades compared to the previous two decades, and a trend to more negative values of a drought index in some locations.
The number of days to complete full leaf emergence after June 1 (measured as ninety growing degree days) is up to a day sooner, leading to faster crop growth and the potential to move grain filling into a cooler window.
The number of rain days is fewer and number of days between rain events in winter is longer. All these elements mean that crop production in the grainbelt is more challenging and will require continued innovation to maintain yields.
Recommended Citation
Guthrie, M M,
and
Bowran, D.
(2021), Recent changes in weather and crop growth drivers for the Western Australian grainbelt and potential impacts on crop growth. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/cs_researchrpts/2
