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Impacts on agriculture and livestock
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| Image: Greenpeace |
BEEF CATTLE
With higher temperatures, overall decreased water supplies, increased risk of salinity and increased soil water logging, beef cattle are likely to experience increased incidences of stress related deaths. The period between 1957 to 1996 saw an increase of 40% in stress related deaths (Passey 2003). This is predicted to escalate by up to 138% by 2050 (Passey 2003).
DAIRY CATTLE
Dairy cattle are also expected to experience an increase in stress related deaths, however, climate change will also affect the quality and quantity of their milk yields (Passey 2003). In particular, annual milk yields are expected to decrease by between 250 to 310 litres per cow, depending on the degree of climate change (Passey 2003).
COTTON
With higher temperatures and reduced water supplies from decreased rainfall and increased evaporation rates, cotton production is likely to decline by 8% to 23% (Passey 2003). Increased CO2 will have a positive affect for stablising such impacts, however, competition for water resources is likely to increase (Passey 2003).
FRUIT
Decreases in frost will have a positive affect in some areas, by reducing the negative impacts of frost damage (Passey 2003). However, negative affects will result for temperate fruits such as apples and stone fruits, as they rely on winter chilling for normal bud-burst and fruit setting (Passey 2003). Also, decreased frosts will lead to a prolonged dormancy of temperate fruits, resulting in reduced quantity and quality of yields (Passey 2003). Temperate fruits in southern Australia will be most vulnerable.
WHEAT
Whilst increased CO2 is expected to have positive affects on wheat production in various regions, reduced water supplies, higher rates of salinity and an increased frequency in droughts are expected to put enormous stress upon crops yields (Passey 2003).
VITICULTURE
With decreased rainfall and increased temperature expected under climate change, viticulture is likely to be significantly affected. Increases in extreme rainfall events in some parts could also greatly impact upon grape yields (Passey 2003).
RANGELANDS
It is estimated that a 20% decline in rainfall will incur a decline in pasture productivity by roughly 15% (Passey 2003). In association, live-weight gain would decrease by up to 12%, substantially altering stock rates (Passey 2003).
TEMPERATE PASTURES
Expected declines in winter and spring rainfall in temperate pasture zones in New South Wales and Victoria are likely to significantly reduce plant production and constrain animal production (Passey 2003).
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