Climate Change and Rice Yield in Hwaseong-si Gyeonggi-do over the Past 20 Years (2001~2020)

BACKGROUND: Rice production by the current standard cultivation method is predicted to decrease due to global warming. It seems that there has been a strong warming trend in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. This study attempted to understand the climate change in Hwaseongsi, Gyeonggi-do and to analyze the effect of climate change on rice production. METHODS AND RESULTS: The statistical and physicochemical analyses were performed using the rice cultivar ‘Chucheongbyeo’ yields grown at the rice paddy field plot in the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services and the weather data measured in near the rice paddy plot. CONCLUSION(S): There was no significant difference between the average rice yields per area in 2000s (2001~ 2010) and 2010s (2011~2020), but the rice yield variability was greater in 2010s than in 2000s. The mean, minimum, maximum temperature, and the sunshine hours were evaluated for the correlation with the rice yield. The understanding of climate change in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do and the major weather factors affecting changes in rice yield, presented in this study, would enhance scientific understanding of regional climate change, and improve rice cultivation management.