Location: Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21600-001-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 16, 2021
End Date: Sep 15, 2026
Objective:
To conduct a series of controlled environmental experiments using the SPAR units and field studies to evaluate the response of cotton, soybean, corn, and wheat crops to a range of CO2 levels, temperatures and water stress levels. Data collection includes growth and developmental rates, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration and plant water status throughout the crop growing season.
To use the data to develop, improve and validate the mechanistic, process level crop simulation models for climate impact analyses, and on-farm decision support system applications for climate smart agriculture.
Approach:
A series of controlled environmental and field studies will be conducted using the SPAR units in Beltsville, MD, to identify crop physiological responses under wide range of environmental conditions where specific abiotic factors like extreme temperatures, drought and nutrient deficiencies and under a range of CO2 levels will be studied. The data from these studies will be compiled into a crop data base and will be used for crop modeling and climate change research.
