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

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.