The global distribution of cultivable lands: current patterns and sensitivity to possible climate change
University of Wisconsin–Madison · University of Wisconsin System
Abstract
Abstract Aim This study makes quantitative global estimates of land suitability for cultivation based on climate and soil constraints. It evaluates further the sensitivity of croplands to any possible changes in climate and atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. Location The location is global, geographically explicit. Methods The methods used are spatial data synthesis and analysis and numerical modelling. Results There is a cropland ‘reserve’ of 120%, mainly in tropical South America and Africa. Our climate sensitivity analysis indicates that the southern provinces of Canada, north‐western and north‐central states of the United States, northern Europe, southern Former Soviet Union and the Manchurian plains of…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 8.45
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 39
Authors
4Topics & keywords
- Climate change
- Tropics
- Precipitation
- Geography
- Land cover
- Latitude
- Global change
- Climatology