Global food crops could be threatened by future heatwaves if climate change isn’t taken seriously, a British study has suggested. The researchers came to their conclusion after they estimated the impact of extreme temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels on crop production, including wheat, soybean and maize.

Despite suggestions that an increase in C02 in the atmosphere would boost growth in plants, the researchers warn that this would be offset by extreme heat.

They found that crops, particularly during anthesis, are vulnerable to heat. Scientist Delphine Deryng of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia, said:

“At this stage, extreme temperatures can lead to reduced pollen sterility and reduced seed set, greatly reducing the crop yield.

“Our results show that maize yields are expected to be negatively affected by climate change, while the impacts on what and soybean are generally positive, unless CO2 fertilisation effects have been overestimated.”

Dumelow International, a leading figure in the reconditioned tractor industry, takes a keen industry in farming and tractor news around the world and they regularly respond to relevant breaking news and research. A spokesman for the company said:

“The findings of this study are very worrying, naturally. However, the positive that can be taken from this news is that nothing is set and stone and there is still time to avoid these issues if the threat is taken seriously – and that’s a must because the consequences if we don’t are potentially devastating.

“It’s not just increasing carbon dioxide levels that we need to be concerned about as more intelligence is also needed in how we approach farming and agriculture.”

Dumelow International sells reconditioned Massey Ferguson tractors and they believe that if more people used quality tractors that many agricultural problems could be side-stepped or minimised:

“If more people had better farming equipment and an improved understanding of how aggressive farming can damage environments – sometimes to the point of disrepair – then we would all be better off. Unfortunately most new tractors are simply too expensive for the average farmer, particularly in developing countries and continents.

“However, we’re always keen to stress that there are used and reconditioned quality tractors out there that are more environmentally friendly and more effective than what most farmers are currently using.”

Dumelow International Limited is a provider of reconditioned tractors and agricultural machinery. The company was founded in 1996, is based in the UK, and exports tractors all over the world, including to Asia, North America and Africa. They specialise in Massey Ferguson tractors and implements and sell them online. Visit their website at www.dumelow.co.uk to find out more.

For quotes contact John at Dumelow International on 0118 9487000 or john@dumelow.co.uk.