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The Impact of Climate Variability on Corn Yield in the North-East Region of Romania
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1  “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania
Academic Editor: Helder Fraga

Abstract:

Climate change poses a major challenge to agricultural sustainability, particularly in regions where variations in temperature and precipitation directly affect crop productivity. This study examines the relationship between interannual climate variations and corn production in northeastern Romania, using official data from the National Institute of Statistics and the National Meteorological Administration for the period 2017-2022. Pearson correlation coefficients were applied to assess the direction and strength of associations between yield, temperature, and precipitation in six representative counties. The results indicate predominantly negative correlations between average annual temperature and yield (r = −0.808, p = 0.052 in Neamț; r ≈ −0.406, p > 0.10 in Iași), suggesting that high temperatures limit production by increasing evapotranspiration and heat stress during sensitive growth stages. In contrast, precipitation shows positive and often statistically significant correlations (r = 0.957, p = 0.003 in Botoșani; r = 0.890, p = 0.017 in Bacău; r = 0.799, p = 0.057 in Neamț), confirming the decisive role of moisture availability in maintaining yield stability. Spatial differences in correlation strength reflect local interactions between precipitation timing, soil water retention, and crop management practices, including hybrid selection, planting density, and access to irrigation. The analysis found no significant link between cultivated area and yield, indicating that interannual fluctuations are primarily driven by climate, rather than the result of land expansion. Despite the short observation period, the findings underscore the need for regionally tailored climate change adaptation strategies, such as the use of drought- and heat-tolerant hybrids, optimized planting schedules, conservation tillage, and efficient irrigation systems, supported by agrometeorological monitoring and forecasting tools. Integrating these measures into local and national agricultural policies is essential for maintaining corn productivity under conditions of increased hydrothermal stress.

Keywords: corn production, climatic factors, average temperature, precipitation, adaptive agriculture, North East Romania
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