A potential record-breaking El Niño has raised concerns about its impact on US agriculture, with experts urging the adoption of soil-protecting practices such as cover crops and perennial plants.
Forecasters predict this year’s El Niño could be the strongest on record, prompting concerns about its effects on agriculture and food security. While the United States is expected to face less severe impacts than regions such as Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa, some areas may still experience significant crop losses due to extreme weather.
Research indicates that farms with higher soil organic matter, achieved through practices like planting cover crops or perennial plants, are better equipped to handle extreme weather. These practices improve soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, reducing flood risks and increasing crop resilience during droughts. However, current US crop insurance policies heavily favor traditional commodity crops, making it financially challenging for farmers to adopt these long-term resilience strategies.
Why it matters
Farmers may face greater challenges if Congress fails to support soil-protecting practices during extreme weather.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether Congress passes legislation to support cover crop adoption in vulnerable regions.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.