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Earlier harvests as temperatures rise

10 August 2007

Scientists examining agricultural records from Germany have found that the timing of many events, such as flowering, ripening and harvesting of crops, is significantly earlier now than half a century ago, with an average advance of 1·1 to 1·3 days per decade. Their findings are reported this week in the journal Global Change Biology.

The scientists, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and the Technical University of Munich, examined phenology records of 78 agricultural and horticultural events spanning 54 years, from 1951-2004. They found that these records of stages of vegetative growth, such as leaf emergence or fruit ripening, have advanced over time and were associated with warming temperatures.

The study also revealed that, on average, perennial plants (plants with a life-cycle lasting over 2 years) have a stronger reaction to changes in temperature than annual crops. The observed reactions are linked to climate changes rather than to changing agricultural practices but will nevertheless have implications for farming across Europe in the 21st century.

Tim Sparks from CEH said, "Farmers are already having to be more flexible in their work timetables, such as the dates for sowing and spraying crops. If the trend continues many events will become much earlier still, for example apple picking could be two weeks earlier and maize harvesting a month earlier by the end of this century."

The paper is available by subscription (see 'External links') or by contacting the NERC press office.

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
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Swindon, SN2 1EU
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Mob: 07917 086369 or 557215

Briefing note: 15/07