Wheat, a staple crop and backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture, increasingly faces threats from rising temperatures linked to climate change. With the global temperature rise already exceeding the 1.2% limit, farmers must rethink their practices. To combat nutrient deficiencies exacerbated by heat stress, many turn to fertilizers like urea and DAP (Diammonium Phosphate). Urea, rich in nitrogen, promotes vegetative growth, while DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are vital for root development and flowering. Rising temperatures lead to higher plant respiration rates, depleting carbohydrates and nutrients, which stunts growth and lowers yields. Consequently, farmers apply larger amounts of urea and DAP, driving up production costs.
Continuous cropping without proper soil management exacerbates nutrient depletion and soil salinity. High salinity levels can hinder crop growth, making it essential for farmers to monitor their soil health. In intensively farmed areas like Sindh & Punjab maintaining soil quality is crucial. Farmers must assess factors such as pH, salinity, and nutrient levels to optimize water and fertilizer usage, ensuring crops receive the nutrients they need while minimizing overuse. Although urea and DAP can enhance yields, excessive use degrades soil health, leading to nutrient imbalances, soil acidification, and water pollution. Striking a balance between fertilizer use and sustainable practices is essential for long-term soil viability.
As the sowing process approaches, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices becomes imperative, with a strong focus on IoT and technology-based devices. These innovations enable farmers to collect real-time data on soil health and moisture levels, facilitating precise decision-making. By integrating sensors and automated irrigation systems, farmers optimize water usage and enhance efficiency. Additionally, data analytics help predict weather patterns and identify risks, enabling proactive measures against climate-induced stresses. Farmers must take advantage of these technologies to maximize their yield potential during the crucial sowing period.
Understanding the impacts of global warming on agriculture is vital for ensuring food security in Pakistan. As farmers adapt their practices to secure a sustainable future for wheat production, collaboration among farmers, researchers, and policymakers is essential. Together, they can develop effective strategies that promote resilience in the face of climate change, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains robust and capable of meeting the challenges ahead. With the doomsday clock ticking, immediate action is required to safeguard our agricultural future.