A STUDY ON CLIMATE CHANGES IN AGRICULTURE IN SALEM DISTRICT

An analysis of climate change impacts on the level of agricultural production is presented based on long-term experimental data on yields of crops grown in different soils and climatic zones. Mathematical models combining available data on the biology of agricultural crops and their response to climatic conditions have been used. A new approach and classification of micro-climate geo-complexes was developed. Agricultural production was found to be highly sensitive to micro-climatic variations. The proposed approach permits more objective use of meteorological data in changing climatic conditions. Shifts in agroclimate were established using this modelling approach. The sums of degree-days, particularly above 0 and 5°C, have significantly risen during the period 2000- 2020. The development of potato varieties adapted to a changing climate is possible. A strategy for adaptation of agriculture to climate change is presented.