Global Crop Cultivation: Climate Requirements for Major Agricultural Products
This document outlines the specific climatic conditions necessary for the cultivation of major crops worldwide.
Cereals
Wheat
Thrives in climates with strong periods of heat, incompatible with wet conditions. Its northern boundary coincides with the 10°C isotherm in May. Requires annual precipitation between 350 and 750 mm.
Barley
Similar requirements to wheat, but thrives in short summers. Forage varieties are distinct from brewing varieties, with the latter obtained in more humid regions.
Rye
Its key difference from wheat lies in its ability to withstand severe winters, thus extending its cultivation to areas colder than wheat.
Oats
Prefers humid temperate regions.
Rice
Requires high temperatures combined with intense moisture.
Corn
Needs high temperatures and abundant moisture.
Sorghum
Adapts perfectly to dry climates and can withstand high temperatures. A particular variety, the kaoliang, grown in northern China, is also resistant to low temperatures.
Root and Tuber Crops
Potatoes
Similar demands to rye, primarily grown in areas with warm, wet summers, sunny days, and cool nights. In the Northern Hemisphere, its distribution corresponds to areas north of the 20°C July isotherm.
Yam
Thrives under tropical and monsoon regimes.
Cassava
Similar to yam, but primarily cultivated in Africa.
Oil Crops
Annual Oil Crops
Sunflower
Generally thrives in temperate climates.
Soybean
Similar requirements to maize.
Peanut
Cultivated in intertropical and subtropical countries, extending to warm temperate climates, between 44°N and 35°S.
Shrub Oil Crops
Olive Tree
Requires a Mediterranean climate.
Coconut
Thrives in tropical climates.
Sugar Crops
Sugar Cane
A tropical plant that is also cultivated in warm temperate areas.
Beet
Prefers a mild climate, with requirements similar to potatoes.
Textile Crops
Cotton
Can be cultivated in both wet and dry areas. Its northern limit corresponds to a summer average temperature of 25°C.
Flax and Hemp
Currently gaining renewed interest, these are developed in temperate areas without significant moisture requirements.
Stimulant and Aromatic Crops
Grapevine (Vid)
Requires a Mediterranean climate.
Tea
High, but not excessive, temperatures, combined with abundant rainfall and light, are essential conditions for a delicate aroma.
Coffee
The Arabica variety thrives in tropical highlands, while Robusta prefers lower altitudes.
Cocoa
Requires an equatorial climate with average temperatures of 24-26°C consistently throughout the year, and high humidity (1500-2000 mm annual rainfall).
Tobacco
It has high adaptability, growing from temperate climates to humid equatorial regions.
Fruit Crops
Citrus Fruits
Their main limitation is severe winter cold.
Bananas
Prefer warm, humid climates.
Other Tropical Fruits
Especially favored by warmer climates.
Legumes and Vegetables
Less stringent in their requirements and known for their great adaptability, they have become increasingly visible due to growing global market needs.
Rural Geography and Agricultural Landscapes
Understanding Rural Areas
Rural geography is the study of social, economic, land use, and recent spatial changes in less densely populated areas, typically recognized by their visual and rural characteristics.
Rural areas are characterized by:
- Extensive land use.
- Small rural communities with a hierarchical structure.
- Residents who possess a strong sense of identity, leading lifestyles based on respect and practical skills within an extensive landscape.
This document highlights some of the major crops grown worldwide and the specific climatic conditions necessary for their development.