Spring Frost Severity Impacts Crop Yield: A Correlation Analysis

To address contradictory findings regarding the impact of spring frost on crop yields, this study introduces a novel approach to quantify frost severity. We defined specific measures to assess the intensity of spring frost events and analyzed their relationship with yield loss in corn, soybean, and winter wheat.

Our results demonstrate that these severity measures increase with rising temperature anomalies. Furthermore, utilizing linear regression models, we found a positive correlation between yield loss and each of the three severity measures for all three crops. This strong correlation suggests that the intensity of spring frost events, as captured by our measures, is a significant factor influencing crop yield loss.

This research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between spring frost and crop production. The developed severity measures can be used as effective tools for agricultural risk assessment and management, aiding farmers and policymakers in mitigating the potential negative impacts of spring frost events on crop yields.