Source: Corteva Agriscience

The past several summers have seen large wildfires burn millions of acres across North America. The effects of these fires have been devastating, and smoke from the fires has been a frequent health concern in nearby population centers.

The increased frequency of smoky days in agricultural areas raises the question of what impact the smoke might be having on crop productivity. Ample sunlight is critical for maximizing plant photosynthesis and crop yield, and lower than normal solar radiation during grain fill can be detrimental.

The impact of wildfire smoke on crop growth is complex and involves competing effects that both enhance and suppress photosynthesis. There are three primary factors that directly impact photosynthesis: reduced sunlight intensity, increased sunlight diffusion, and increased ozone (O3) levels.

“Based on what is known about the effects of reduced solar radiation, it seems very plausible that wildfire smoke could cause reductions in crop yields,” said Ben Jacob, Pioneer Field Agronomist.

Wildfire smoke is not a problem that’s going away anytime soon. Based on what is known about the contributing factors, wildfires in western North America are likely to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years. The effects of wildfire smoke on both agricultural and natural ecosystems will likely continue to be an active area of research.