Climate Change

The Water and Agriculture Information Center at the National Agricultural Library has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) to facilitate access to the latest science-based information on climate change and effects of selected agricultural conservation practices.

Climate change effects on the intensification of the hydrologic cycle will have consequences for agricultural production and soil conservation across many U.S. regions. Common to most regions are projected increases in temperature and sometimes precipitation amounts, along with increased intensity and frequency of extreme events. Increases in temperature lead to increases in evapotranspiration (ET) and soil drying/aridity. Drought frequency and severity will increase, rain-free periods will lengthen, and individual precipitation events will become more erratic and intense, leading to more runoff (Wathall, et al. 2013. Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation. USDA Technical Bulletin 1935.).

Climate change and its effect on agriculture and natural resources is an important field of study. Use the links below to locate publications on various aspects of this topic. (Please review the benefits and limitations of getting information this way and see the FAQ.)
 

Climate Change and Water: See publications concerning the many issues associated with climate change and water.

• Review information on climate change and water in relation to specific conservation practices:
  • stream and riparian restoration
  • buffers
  • conservation tillage
  • irrigation
  • drainage

Climate Change and Fish and Wildlife: Fish and wildlife conservation practices, and the effect of climate change are the focus of these publications.

• Review information on climate change and fish and wildlife in relation to specific conservation practices:
  • habitat management
  • buffers
  • drainage

Climate Change and Wetlands: See publications focused on wetlands and the effects of climate change.

• Review information on climate change and wetlands in relation to these wetland topics:
  • classification
  • restoration
  • enhancement and functions

Climate Change (including drought) and Integrated Pest Management: See publications on this topic.