Use structures to increase environmental control for plant crops

Excess precipitation, heat stress, and other changes in climate pose substantial challenges for crops. Previously, Approach 3.2 (Manage crops to cope with warmer and drier conditions) describes actions to manage current crop systems for reduced heat stress by modifying plant density, soil moisture availability, or plant genetics or variety. This approach focuses on changes to infrastructure that reduce the effects of altered climate on crops, including heat stress and extreme weather events. In some instances, technological solutions may help transition to a new, future-adapted commodity in anticipation of future climate changes; for example, hoop or high tunnel houses may create warmer conditions at northern sites for crops that currently grow in southern locations but which may grow locally without protection in the future.

Altering infrastructure is a strategy that supports the entire menu of adaptation responses. Because infrastructure generally has a high cost and long life span relative to other farm practices and activities, there is a greater need to consider the long-term implications of these investments. Changes and upgrades in farm infrastructure represent a specific opportunity for agricultural producers to consider deliberately expected future climate conditions, risks, and opportunities that could affect farm productivity and sustainability. Changes in infrastructure can be used to resist the effects of climate change and maintain current practices in place for a longer period of time, such as through the use of increased irrigation to offset reductions in precipitation. On the other end of the spectrum, altering infrastructure may facilitate a transition to entirely new systems, such as through the purchase of new facilities or equipment necessary for the production of a new, future-adapted commodity.