Think Climate Change Is Bad for Corn? Add Weeds to The Equation
Published:08 Sep.2021 Source:University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
By the end of the century, scientists expect climate change to reduce corn yield significantly, with some estimating losses up to 28%. But those calculations are missing a key factor that could drag corn yields down even further: weeds.
Wetter springs and hotter, drier summers, already becoming the norm in the Corn Belt, put stress on corn during key reproductive stages, including silking and grain fill. But those same weather conditions can benefit the scrappy weeds that thrive in tough environments.