Evaluating the Effect of Climate Variability on Zea Mays Productivity over Glen Research Station: South Africa

Abstract

Rainfall and temperature are one of the key environmental parameters that determines the development of a crop and livestock from one growing stage to maturity. Furthermore, temperature is critical beyond maturity but to post harvesting and storage. Rainfall is fundamental in the selection of planting dates, cultivar selection and planting density. Whereas, temperature is essential for calculation of chill and heat units for determining conducive environmental conditions for crop productivity and livestock well-being. In this study, Instat Plus statistical package is utilized to determine potential planting dates, the growing seasons, maize (Zea Mays) for different planting dates from last dekad of October to 1st dekad of January. The growing period length vary from short (less than 100), medium (above 100 days) and long term (above 120 days) varieties. The correct choice of planting time and crop type in the most important decision a farmer or a researcher can make. Taking considerations of water productivity and thermal time requirement for a selected cultivar lessons the effects of high frost risks and water shortages, which leads to soil water deficit and crop wilting but encourage supporting maize growth and development. The study also looks at how heat stress jeopardizes the growth in crops, and further determine crop suitability whether to be early or late in season based on thermal times. A thorough analysis and interpretation of log-term climate data would enable the intermediaries to understand valuable knowledge for improved productivity. This paper analysed a long-term climate (1922-2020) data analysis for Glen automatic weather station, to determine climate variability and climate change possibilities, calculate heat unit and chill units. Further, develop suitable adaptation strategies relating to maize crop.

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