Effects of climate change on crop phenology in Lithuania

Abstract

Agriculture is highly dependent on climate conditions. Changes in temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather could have significant impacts on crop yields. Therefore, it is very important to understand the effect of climate change on crop yield. The aim of the study was to examine how recent climate change led to variations in winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and spring wheat (Hordeum vulgare L.) phenology across Lithuania during 1961-2015. There was a clear trend of climate warming during the study period leading to advancement of sowing, flowering and maturity dates. The changes in phenological events were negatively correlated with an increase in temperature prior the phases. Our study indicated spatial pattern in the relationship between climatic parameters and changes in crop phenophases.