With less rainfall than usual in many places, farmers in the UK since 1852 are facing their driest spring. Many crop farmers, particularly those who plant in the spring, are constantly at risk of reduced harvests and plant stress from dehydration as a result of the dry weather.
UK farmers are adapting to the challenges posed by low rainfall and reduced soil moisture during this dry spring to protect their crops and livestock.
Controlling weeds in some winter cereal crops has also become more difficult as a result of the protracted dry spell.
Signs show that this year’s winter crops are growing better than they did last year, even with the new problems.
Which Crops Will Thrive or Struggle in the UK’s Changing Climate?
A new study by UKCEH, shared in the journal Climate Resilience and Sustainability, indicates that while some crops may not grow as well in the UK as a result of climate change, others will.
The study examined the potential effects of future warmer weather on farming. Numerous crops, including some new ones, could thrive in the UK, it was discovered.
However, a 2°C increase in temperature could make it more difficult to grow vital crops like wheat and strawberries in regions like the South East and East Anglia. Crops like onions and oats may also not grow as well if the temperature rises by 4°C.
However, warmer weather could help grow new crops in the UK, like sunflowers, soybeans, chickpeas, okra, citrus fruits, and grapes for wine.
Why Farmers and the Environment Could Benefit from Growing a Variety of Crops
Only a few major crops provide the majority of the world’s food, but expanding the variety could strengthen our food system’s resistance to climate change.
Our diets can also be improved by including more crops like soybeans and chickpeas, which are now beginning to be harvested in the UK. These crops are excellent sources of protein and can help us eat less meat.
Because these crops naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen, farmers can use less fertilizer, which is also good for the environment. Increased crop diversity may also benefit biodiversity and the environment.
New Crops Bring Hope, But Also Big Challenges for UK Farming
As the UK’s climate changes, some areas like the southwest and Scottish borders may become better suited for new types of crops, thanks to warmer weather and enough summer water.
However, there are still significant issues. Moving large farming there is challenging because many of these locations have small farms, hilly terrain, and are remote from food factories.
Also, it’s risky for farmers to spend money on new tools and learn new ways to farm. Growing different crops could also affect local insects, animals, and plants.
Experts say we can’t just move all food growing from the southeast to places like Scotland. But since the climate is already changing and will keep changing more by 2080, we need to start getting ready now.
Solution
To deal with the challenges of climate change, experts suggest a few key steps:
- New crops that could grow well in the future
- Update supply chains to support farmers in new areas
- Try modern methods like wet or indoor farming
- Grow crops that can handle heat and drought better.
We can’t predict exactly which crops will be in high demand by 2080, but it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what might do well in each area.
In the absence of this knowledge, farmers may continue to use outdated practices that may become ineffective as the climate changes.
So, how can we start making these changes now to get ready for what’s ahead?
Farming in the UK is changing because of the weather. Some crops may not grow well in the future, but others might be a better fit. That’s why it’s important to find out which crops can grow in different places.
By conserving water, experimenting with new crops, and utilizing alternative farming techniques, farmers can adapt to these changes. This can support people’s health, maintain farms, and safeguard the environment.
Although we cannot predict the future, preparing now can help ensure the safety of our farms and food in the years to come.
