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Data from: Observed changes in agroclimate metrics relevant for specialty crop production in California

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posted on 2024-08-12, 20:59 authored by Lauren E. Parker

This Data folder contains the MATLAB code, final product, tables used in Parker, L.E.; Zhang, N.; Abatzoglou, J.T.; Ostoja, S.M.; Pathak, T.B. Observed Changes in Agroclimate Metrics Relevant for Specialty Crop Production in California. Agronomy 2022, 12, 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010205.


  • Data Source: The primary data source for this study was the GridMET dataset, which provides high-resolution meteorological data across the contiguous United States.
  • Analytical Tools: We employed MATLAB for all data processing and analysis, ensuring rigorous computational accuracy. The specific scripts and methodologies used are included within the dataset to facilitate replication.
  • Spatial Analysis: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were utilized to overlay crop cover data with climate metrics, allowing for a nuanced analysis of regional impacts. This includes shapefiles for California’s state and county boundaries, as well as specific agricultural regions.
  • Agroclimatic Metric Calculation: Metrics such as growing degree days, frost days, and reference evapotranspiration were computed to assess climate trends and their agricultural impacts.
  • Trend Analysis: We applied statistical techniques to identify significant changes and trends in climate metrics over the 40-year study period.
  • The collection and use of climatological data from the GridMET dataset comply with public data use agreements. No personally identifiable information (PII) or restricted environmental data were used in this study.


This dataset encompasses a detailed analysis of agroclimate metrics relevant to specialty crop production in California over the period from 1981 to 2020. Using the GridMET meteorological dataset, we calculated 12 distinct agroclimatic metrics that are crucial for understanding the impact of climate variability on agricultural outputs.

This dataset is intended for researchers and policymakers interested in agricultural planning and climate adaptation strategies. It provides a valuable resource for developing sustainable agricultural practices in response to changing climatic conditions in California.

Funding

USDA-OCE: 60-2032-1-002

USDA-NIFA: 2021-68012-35914

USDA California Climate Hub

History

Data contact name

Parker, Lauren E.

Data contact email

leparker@ucdavis.edu

Publisher

Ag Data Commons

Intended use

The dataset "Agroclimate Metrics for California Specialty Crops (1981-2020)" is essential for enhancing understanding and strategic planning in agriculture amid climate variability. It offers detailed metrics over 40 years, aiding researchers, policymakers, and farmers. Intended Uses and Benefits: Academic Research: Supports climatology, environmental science, and agronomy studies on climate impact on agriculture, aiding in understanding long-term climate trends and their effects on crop cycles and productivity. Agricultural Planning: Helps farmers and consultants make informed decisions about crop scheduling, selection, and irrigation, directly impacting farming success and sustainability. Policy Development: Assists policymakers in crafting informed agricultural policies that incorporate historical climate data to develop adaptation strategies for resource management and sustainable practices. Climate Model Validation: Provides data for environmental modelers to refine climate projections and weather models, crucial for agricultural planning. Educational Resource: Serves as a practical teaching tool in educational settings, illustrating the interplay between climate and agriculture. This dataset is a pivotal resource for immediate agricultural decision-making and supports long-term strategic planning to bolster the resilience of California's agricultural sector against climatic changes.

Temporal Extent Start Date

1981-01-01

Temporal Extent End Date

2020-12-31

Theme

  • Non-geospatial

Geographic location - description

California

ISO Topic Category

  • biota
  • climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere
  • boundaries
  • environment
  • farming

National Agricultural Library Thesaurus terms

specialty crops; crop production; California; agronomy; data collection; meteorological data; information processing; geographic information systems; shapefile; heat sums; frost; evapotranspiration; sustainable agriculture; climatic factors; computer software

OMB Bureau Code

  • 005:18 - Agricultural Research Service
  • 005:20 - National Institute of Food and Agriculture

OMB Program Code

  • 005:040 - National Research

ARS National Program Number

  • 216

Pending citation

  • No

Public Access Level

  • Public