The Effect of Climatic Variables on Agriculture (Case Study: Rainfed Wheat Yield)

The yield of rainfed crops depends on climatic parameters, plant genetic characteristics, soil type and agricultural operations (Hosaini et al., 2007). Among these factors, climatic variables have a stochastic nature. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effect of the mentioned parameters on the variability of the crop plants yield. The correct identification of the climatic conditions will help farmers to timely sow and supply plant requirement during the growing season (Azizi and Yarahmadi, 2003). Also, predicting the yield of strategic plants (such as wheat) will be possible via identify and quantify the effects of the important climatic variables on crop production in each region (Bazgeer and Kamali, 2008). Kordestan is one of the most important rainfed agricultural regions in Iran. Bijar, with a production about 123,000 tons of rainfed wheat per year, is one of the most important regions to product rainfed wheat in Kurdistan. The maximum and minimum yield of rainfed wheat in Bijar during a 25-year period has been between 1380 and 213 (kg/ha), respectively (Anonymous, 2015). This large range of yield changes has had a significant impact on the region's economy. The present research was carried out with the aim of identifying important climatic factors in Bijar region and developing a model for estimating rainfed wheat yield based on these factors. The results of this research can be useful in developing quantitative and qualitative agricultural products and sustainable use of resources.