The Relationship between Climate, Agriculture and Land Cover in Matopiba, Brazil (1985–2020)

Mayara Lucyanne Santos de Araújo (), Iana Alexandra Alves Rufino, Fabrício Brito Silva, Higor Costa de Brito and Jessflan Rafael Nascimento Santos
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Mayara Lucyanne Santos de Araújo: Center for Technology and Natural Resources, Federal University of the Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429900, PB, Brazil
Iana Alexandra Alves Rufino: Center for Technology and Natural Resources, Federal University of the Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429900, PB, Brazil
Fabrício Brito Silva: Geotechnologies Laboratory, Ceuma University, São Luís 65075120, MA, Brazil
Higor Costa de Brito: Center for Technology and Natural Resources, Federal University of the Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429900, PB, Brazil
Jessflan Rafael Nascimento Santos: Geotechnologies Laboratory, Ceuma University, São Luís 65075120, MA, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-22

Abstract: Climate change has been at the forefront of discussions in the scientific, economic, political, and public spheres. This study aims to analyze the impacts of climate change in the Matopiba region, assessing its relationship with land cover and land use, soybean crop production and yield, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies from 1985 to 2020. The analysis was conducted in four parts: (1) trends in annual and intra-annual climate changes, (2) the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover and use, (3) the spatiotemporal dynamics of soybean production and yield, and (4) the relationship between climate change, agricultural practices, land cover and use, and ocean–atmosphere anomalies. Statistical analyses, including Mann–Kendall trend tests and Pearson correlation, were applied to understand these relationships comprehensively. The results indicate significant land cover and use changes over 35 years in Matopiba, with municipalities showing increasing soybean production and yield trends. There is a rising trend in annual and intra-annual maximum temperatures, alongside a decreasing trend in annual precipitation in the region. Intra-annual climate trends provide more specific insights for agricultural calendar planning. No correlation was found between the climate change trends and soybean production and yield in the evaluated data attributed to genetic and technological improvements in the region. The North Atlantic Ocean shows a positive correlation with soybean agricultural variables. Evidence suggests soybean production and yield growth under climate change scenarios. This study highlights soybeans’ adaptation and climate resilience in the Matopiba region, providing valuable insights for regional agricultural development and contributing to further research in environmental, water-related, social, and economic areas of global interest.

Keywords: climate trends; geotechnologies; commodity agricultural (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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