Warm spells/heat waves over Italy and their impacts on arable crop production

In the last decades the Euro-Mediterranean region has experienced an increase in extreme temperature events such as warm spells and heat waves. These extreme weather conditions can strongly affect arable crop growth and final yields. Here, warm spells/heat waves over Italy from 1985 to 2013 are identified and characterised w.r.t. time periods relevant for different selected crops. Then, their impact on annual yields from 1995 to 2013 is investigated. Results highlight the effects of the heat stress on crops; for instance, the very low values of 2003 wheat yields in Puglia.

TORETI Andrea;  FONTANA Giovanna; 

2015-01-05

Patron Editore

JRC90007

9788855532716,