Do Sunspot Cycles Affect Crop Yields?

Virden L. Harrison

No 307575, Agricultural Economic Reports from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: Sunspot activity occurs on a regular cyclical basis. Temperature, precipitation, length of growing season, radiation levels, atmospheric pressure, and high-altitude wind speed in the United States and elsewhere may be related to the single or double sunspot cycle. This study tests the hypothesis that crop yields at the State level are related to various phases of the sunspot cycle. Crops and States included are wheat in Texas and Kansas, corn in Illinois and Nebraska, rice in Louisiana, and cotton in Texas. Statistical analysis was made of data for 1866-1973. Results indicate that (1) lower than average yields are associated with low sunspot activity, especially low activity following the high of the minor sunspot cycle (2) higher than average yields are associated with high sunspot activity, and (3) both the single and double sunspot cycles may give useful information in predictions of yield deviations.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Productivity Analysis; Research Methods/Statistical Methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 27
Date: 1976-04
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uerser:307575

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.307575

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