Flood-proof crops - invest in research

By Andi Anderson

Tropical Storm Debby has caused record-setting rainfall and flooding across multiple states, including Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and parts of Georgia, leaving significant damage in its wake, including flooded crops in Florida.

Such extreme weather events are becoming more common, posing serious threats to our ability to grow essential crops like wheat, soybeans, maize, and vegetables, which are vital for human food security and nutrition.

In the US Midwest, the 2019 flooding resulted in economic losses exceeding $6-8 billion, while weather-related disasters in 2023 led to over $21 billion in crop losses.

Similarly, in Africa, record-breaking rainfall and flooding have been linked to increased food insecurity. Like humans, crops such as maize, soybeans, and tomatoes are highly sensitive to flooding, which disrupts their growth by depriving them of oxygen—an element crucial for respiration and photosynthesis.

To combat these challenges, there is an urgent need for comprehensive research into the impacts of flooding on crops. Understanding how different crop varieties respond to flooding is essential for developing resilient strains that can withstand such events.

Federal agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) must prioritize funding for this research.

In addition to studying the immediate effects of flooding on crops, it is equally important to examine the long-term impacts on soil health and the microorganisms that support plant growth.

Like humans, plants such as maize, soybeans, and tomatoes are highly sensitive to flooding. The detrimental impacts of flooding on crops like maize and tomatoes have been observed firsthand, both in the context of agricultural experiences in Kenya and in current research studies on flooding at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Flooding can dramatically alter soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties, leading to the accumulation of toxic compounds that harm beneficial soil microbes. Research into these changes and their duration is crucial for developing strategies to restore soil health after flooding.

Moreover, exploring how regenerative agricultural practices can mitigate the impacts of flooding on crops and soil is vital. By focusing on actionable solutions, research can guide the recovery of soils, soil microbiomes, and crops after flooding events.

This effort will require a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach involving farmers, researchers, government agencies, and the private sector.

While short-term aid is necessary in the aftermath of flooding, long-term strategies must be developed to address the increasing frequency of such events.

Investing in research now will help build a comprehensive understanding of flooding and its effects, ensuring that our agricultural systems are resilient in the face of future climate challenges.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a