Climate change is the most serious environmental threat we face today. One of the most serious problems that it entails has to do with global warming, caused by the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). These retain heat from the sun within the atmosphere, giving way to an increase in the Earth's average temperature - over the last century and a half, this has risen by 1.07ºC -, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Against this backdrop, agriculture is taking centre stage. While, on the one hand, its contribution to climate change must be taken into account, since it is responsible for the release of large amounts of CH4, due to the enteric fermentation process of livestock, and N2O, due to the use of nitrogen fertilizers, it is also one of the activities most affected by the effects of global warming.
Minimizing its effects is the huge challenge facing governments around the world. The food security of a large part of a world population that continues on a path of accelerated growth depends on it.
What are the effects of global warming on Spanish agriculture?
“In general, an increase in temperature would prolong the growth season of crops and promote their development, but it might also cause physiological abnormalities if specific thresholds are surpassed. These could cause damage to both nutritional and organoleptic quality as well as productivity and even displace or reduce optimal growth areas”, according to a report by the Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos (COAG, Coordinator of Farmers and Livestock Organizations) [Resco, P. (2022 ). The countdown has begun. Impacts of climate change on Spanish agriculture].
This study shows that agricultural output in the Mediterranean is especially vulnerable to these consequences due to the significant share of poor soils and low precipitation levels. The increase in temperatures, accompanied by a decrease in available humidity, accelerates the rate of aridification; a serious threat for our country, where the risk of desertification extends to 75% of the surface.
These effects harm both rainfed and irrigated agriculture. In the first case, because they would not be offset by the stimulating effect of CO2 in photosynthesis. In the second, because the increase in irrigation needs would collide with the fall in water reserves.
Another consequence of climate change suffered by agriculture is the damage caused by extreme climatic phenomena, such as drought, hailstorms, etc. These phenomena have been increasing in intensity and frequency in recent years.
Likewise, global warming also contributes to the proliferation of diseases and pests in crops.
The role of Bellota Agrisolutions in the fight against climate change
There are several studies which estimate that around 250,000 hectares are at severe risk of erosion in Spain. To combat this issue, agricultural techniques that prevent the problem from worsening must be promoted.
Therefore, at Bellota Agrisolutions we provide the farmer with a variety of products that, among other benefits, ensure excellent care for soil health by reducing the danger of erosion while also altering its apparent density to promote crop root growth.
By working the soil, its humidity and temperature are controlled, while fertilizers and plant remains can be incorporated.
The Agricultural Machinery Course which is available for download and consultation on our website, looks into some important aspects of agronomy with the aim of optimizing soil performance.
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