solutions > Adaptation >


Agriculture


Predicted increases in temperature will likely lengthen the growing season (which is a good thing) and increased crop production may be possible in northern regions where suitable soils exist.

However, higher temperatures and lower soil moisture may ultimately have a negative affect on dryland agriculture.


Key issues


Moisture

It is moisture that could be the limiting factor for agricultural production on the prairies. Most climate change scenarios suggest that the semi-arid regions of the prairies can expect an increase in the frequency of drought. (1)

Many computer climate models predict average annual precipitation to increase slightly in the arable regions of Manitoba.

However, this gain is offset by higher temperatures which increase evaporation - thus increasing moisture deficits.

The moisture deficit area projected for the middle of this century extends over most of the cultivated land in Southern Manitoba and is worst in the south-west corner of the province. See Figure 1. (2)


Figure 1: Projected moisture deficit 2040-2069 (scenario CGCM1)

Insects, weeds, & disease

Also, the extra heat could increase the potential risk of insect, weed, and disease infestation. (3)

top of page


Strategies


We need to build the adaptive capacity of rural areas. This will require some government policy changes and some changes that producers can bring about on their own.


Enhancement areas to be considered include (4):

  • maintaining and promoting sustainable soil management practices
  • discouraging farming on marginal land
  • investment in farm machinery and equipment versatile enough to adjust production decisions to variable climatic conditions
  • providing access to irrigation and associated equipment
  • more opportunities to increase off-farm earnings
  • enhanced employment prospects through diversification within the agricultural as well as in other sectors of the economy
  • provide better transportation choices for rural goods and people
  • improved access to and use of computer technology especially for farm management
  • improve the use of e-mail and Internet to keep abreast of climate trends and innovative farming practices
  • greater access to agricultural education institutions