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LANSING -- As climate change strongly affects agriculture, rising temperatures are pushing corn farmers to adopt different management practices to protect their crop yields.
"Climatologists forecast less frequent but more intense rain events, leading to increased likelihood of temporary drought and/or excess moisture conditions," according to a recent study by researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Illinois.
"Irrigation and drought-tolerant seed varieties can reduce the risk of yield loss to drought, while drainage can reduce the risk of yield loss to puddling and excess water," the study said.
The top five producing counties for corn are Lenawee, Sanilac, Saginaw, Gratiot and Tuscola, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The study in the journal Ecological Economics was based on interviews with 44 Michigan corn farmers.
Researchers Natalie Loduca and Scott Swinton wrote that the findings have implications for outreach and Extension activities.
"Extension programs that target climate adaptation technologies may be more effective when they put primary emphasis on productivity benefits ahead of risk-management ones," the study said.
Kristin Poley, the director of research for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, said, "Michigan corn farmers are adopting management practices that improve soil health, such as cover crops, or water management, such as tile or controlled drainage, to mitigate risks.
"Irrigation was perceived as providing both yield and risk benefits, whereas tile draining drainage and drought-resistant seeds were viewed primarily as risk-reducing technologies," Poley said.
Increased changes in weather patterns, she said, "make corn production difficult due to unpredictable growing conditions year-to-year."
She said examples of weather changes include "wet spring delaying planting, hot dry summer stressors that leave crops vulnerable to diseases, as well as excessive rainfall during mid-seasons, which can restrict root development and increase nutrient loss."
Those variables make it difficult for farmers to plan and respond to the uncertainties that affect increased production costs, labor availability and nutrient management. That creates a gap in farm profitability, according to Poley.
She said the financial challenges that Michigan corn farmers face include the cost of fertilizer, seed and crop protection products. Those are caused by unpredictable weather conditions that damage crops or reduce future yields and profit margins.
Soil is also affected by changes in climate. Poley said, "Michigan has a large variety of soil types. Depending on weather conditions, the soil types can be strongly influenced, such as poorly drained soils that lead to water and nutrient loss."
Looking ahead to long-term economic consequences that Michigan corn farmers could face if the current climate trends continue, they include "greater financial volatility, increased pressure on soil and water resources, and more complex pest and disease management," Poley said.
Lastly, Poley said, "The risk is not simply that Michigan will produce less corn every year. It is that maintaining consistent yields and profitable production will require more investment and more adaptive management."