In many geographic regions, it is (or near) planting seeds season! For professionals and non-professionals in the gardening world, there have been some shifts in the planting season over the past several years. In response to our warming planet, the USDA updated its plant hardiness zone map this past November. About half of the country has moved into a warmer zone. The northwest Indiana section along Lake Michigan is now designated a warmer zone.
On the USDA website, there is an explanation of the overall picture of the changing climate for geographic regions. For example, temperatures have risen, precipitation patterns have changed, and numerous areas experience more significant water variability. The data and projections suggest the likelihood of “insects spawning multiple generations per season and producing more generations yearly. This can lead to pests developing greater resistance to insecticides.” Another expectation is that higher temperatures will likely increase wildfire activity. Climate change will also affect other living organisms in the soil ecosystem.
The USDA also explains that the shifting climate may provide opportunities for new crops, varieties, and markets, along with increased productivity in some regions. This will depend on the availability of water and nutrients and under the assumption of a low likelihood of extreme temperatures. The agency will continue utilizing data resources to understand best the effects of the changing climate on crop and livestock agriculture for land managers and gardeners. Simultaneously, all efforts to slow the warming climate are needed to minimize ongoing changes in soil ecosystems.
The economist and philosopher Charles Eisenstein speaks of a “Living Earth,” and suggests that “much of the climate derangement that we blame on greenhouse gases actually comes from direct disruption of ecosystems. Drought and desertification have followed wherever humans have cut down forests and exposed soil to erosion.” From Psalm 96, “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Happy planting!
Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University ). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.