Long-Term (1893-2012) Changes In Air Temperature, Relative Humidity and Vapor Pressure Deficit (Atmospheric Evaporative Demand) in Central Nebraska

Changes in climate variables interact with and impact agricultural and agro-ecosystem productivity and land surface-atmosphere relationships through various direct and indirect processes. Direct processes include increased air temperature and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, changes in solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface, and changes in hydrologic parameters such as precipitation, runoff, and stream flow. Indirect processes include changed intensity and frequency of disturbances of wildfires, pests, and diseases. Changes in climate variables can have direct impact on agricultural productivity. For example, a small increase in minimum or maximum air temperature can have a substantial impact on some of the physiological functions of crops which, in turn, impact crop growth, development, and yield, even under well managed farming operations. Air temperature especially can alter many basic agricultural practices and productivity indices.