Using an integrated response-function method to explore agro-climatic suitability for spring soybean growth in North China

Abstract

To understand agro-climatic suitability for spring soybean growth in north China, an integrated cropresponse-function method was developed. This method includes crop-response functions for temperature, precipitation, and sunshine and is assessed by a weighting method based on the coefficient of determination. The results show that the most suitable area (S1) for spring soybean growth occupied approximately 21.35% of the total area of north China. Among three types of spring soybeans of early maturity, middle maturity, and late maturity, middle maturity was the most suitable variety to grow in the study area, covering nearly 1.133 3106 km2 or about 99.75%of the total area of S1. As a result of this study, the authors suggest that breeders pay more attention to middle-maturity cultivars in north China. The findings fromthis studymay provide useful information for policymakers issuing guidelines for agricultural production. © 2011 American Meteorological Society.