ESTIMATING CORN YIELD RESPONSE MODELS TO PREDICT IMPACTS OF CLIMATE-CHANGE

Projections of the impacts of climate change on agriculture require fl exible and accurate yield response models. Typically, estimated yield response models have used fixed calendar intervals to measure weather variables and omitted observations on solar radiation, an essential de terminant of crop yield. A com yield response model for Illinois crop reporting districts is estimated using field data. Weather variables a re timed to crop growth stages to allow use of the model if climate ch ange shifts dates of the crop growing season. Solar radiation is inclu ded. Results show this model is superior to conventionally specified m odels in explaining yield variation in Illinois com.