Abstract:

The aims are to study the climate change characteristics and phenological changes of spring maize during the growth period in Qingyang of the Loess Plateau, and provide a basis for food production safety and information service. The temperature, precipitation and active accumulated temperature (≥10℃) of spring maize growing period at representative observation stations in Qingyang area were used as objects. The climate resources and phenological characteristics of spring maize under climate change were analyzed. The results showed that the average temperature showed an upward trend during the whole growth period of spring maize, and the upward rate was 0.6℃/10a. The average precipitation showed a decreasing trend with a decreasing rate of 8.7 mm/10a, but the rainwater in most years could meet the needs of maize growth. Accumulated temperature showed an increasing trend with a change rate of 58.0℃/10a and heat resource was sufficient. The trend of stable passage through 10℃ was earlier and the change rate was 6.3 d/10a. The number of days of the whole growth period of spring maize showed a reducing response, with a decrease of 1.7d/10a. Therefore, climate change is more favorable for planting spring maize, especially the increase of heat resource, which is conducive to expanding planting boundaries and increasing yield. We should make full use of climate resource and adapt to local conditions, and choose suitable varieties and sowing date. At the same time, we should strengthen field management and make full use of climate production potential, to improve the economic benefits of maize planting and provide decision-making basis for targeted poverty alleviation.

Key words: Qingyang area, spring maize, climate change, growth period