How will a Hotter Climate Impact Agriculture in Indiana?
Greetings!

The world has experienced record-breaking high temperatures in the last weeks, and it reminded us of a series of reports that Purdue released in 2018 to help Hoosiers better understand climate change-related risks. The Agriculture report highlights many future climate-related issues that could be minimized by implementing sustainable practices now.

We've highlighted a few of those solutions so that you can support farms using these sustainable practices as another way to help counter climate change.
Some Key Findings in the Agriculture Report
Conservation Practices Can Help with Flooding
Issue: Increased precipitation in winter and spring may overwhelm farm field subsurface tile drainage, increase erosion, causing sedimentation and pollutants to enter the local watershed, and cause nutrient loss in fields. (Purdue, 2018)

A sustainable solution: Implementing in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices can reduce nutrient losses and assist with drainage issues. (Purdue, 2018)

Cover crops, crop rotation, prairie strips and saturated buffers are just some conservation practices that can help with filtering and absorbing excess water, decreasing erosion, improving soil health and even provide pollinator and wildlife habitat.

Soil Health is Vital
Issue: In order to absorb water and hold nutrients, soil must be composed of a high amount of organic matter. However, higher temperatures over the next 25 years will increase the decomposition of this crucial component of agricultural soils by about 50%. (Purdue, 2018)

A sustainable solution: Organic matter in soils can be maintained by improving overall soil quality through methods such as increasing plant diversity, planting cover crops, and practicing no-till farming. (Purdue, 2018)

  • Have you heard the term 'cover crops,' but aren't really sure what it means? Check out this article all about cover crops from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education/SARE.
Wetlands and Food Choice Play a Crucial Role
Issue: Indiana corn yields are expected to decrease in part due to a higher demand for water yet decreased summer rain that will lead to drought or drought-like conditions as well as heavy precipitation and flooding in winter and spring. (Purdue, 2018)

A sustainable solution: The majority of corn grown in Indiana is field corn, which is primarily used for animal feed or fuel. We know that eating less meat is better for the climate, but it also means a lower demand for corn, leading to less stress on the system and potential alternative land use. Additionally, better soil health and drainage management--which is considerably improved by protecting Indiana's wetlands--will aid significantly with these negative consequences of climate change.

Source:
Purdue. (2018, July 31). Indiana’s Agriculture in a Changing Climate: A Report from the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment. https://ag.purdue.edu/indianaclimate/agriculture-report
HEC is hiring!
Sustainable Agriculture Director
Are you or someone you know passionate about sustainable agriculture, and want to help HEC work for food system reform statewide? HEC seeks a Sustainable Agriculture Director to support the growth of healthy, sustainable, and local agriculture and growing practices in Indiana with a special emphasis on the upper White River watershed area.
Marketing Manager
HEC seeks a full-time Marketing Manager. This is an opportunity for a communications or marketing professional to put their creative energies to work advancing the cause of a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Learn How to Be a Change-Maker!
Register Now for HEC's Upcoming Webinar
Join us on September 1 from 12-1 pm ET for a webinar featuring Indiana State Sen. Ron Alting and Indiana State Rep. Sue Errington. Learn tips for being an effective advocate for the issues you care most about. Register now!
Check out these other upcoming events
Today, August 12th: 
Thurs., August 17th: Indiana Solar 101 (Zoom)
Sat., August 26th: Sunrise Hike Public Hike (Fort Wayne, IN)
Make an Impact with HEC
If this work has meaning to you, will you consider a gift today to continue HEC's indispensable work? It's more important than ever. Thank you so much for your support!
Hoosier Environmental Council | 317-685-8800 | [email protected] | www.hecweb.org