Potential benefits of climate change for potatoes in the United States

Abstract Potatoes are a mainstay of human diets and 4 million metric tons produced annually in the United States. Simulations future crop production show that climate change is likely to reduce yields major grain crops around world, but impacts on potato have yet be determined. A model ensemble consisting five process-based one statistical was used estimate impact fully irrigated, well-fertilized across USA under RCP 8.5 scenario high emissions. Results indicate increasing temperature will yields, this mostly compensated by elevated atmospheric CO 2 . Yields predicted decline with current highest-yielding areas, which might experience highest rises growing season during short hot summers. Simulated increase slightly elsewhere southern regions USA. Planting potatoes earlier as adaptation avoid summers improve most regions. Water use despite higher temperatures, due shorter increased water efficiency With many regions, uptake for (nitrogen + phosphorus potassium) NPK fertilizer increase, reduced concentration nutrients growth stimulus from planting, 2050 11.7%, 10.4%, less nutritious 14.9% nationally.