El Nino southern oscillation based rainfall forecasts in southern Africa. II. daily forecasts could help summer planting decisions in Zimbabwe
Paper
Paper/Presentation Title | El Nino southern oscillation based rainfall forecasts in southern Africa. II. daily forecasts could help summer planting decisions in Zimbabwe |
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Presentation Type | Paper |
Authors | Cobon, D. H. (Author), Unganai, L. S. (Author) and Clewett, J. F. (Author) |
Editors | Allsopp, N., Palmer, A. R., Milton, S. J., Kirkman, K. P., Kerley, G. I. H., Hurt, C. R. and Brown, C. J. |
Journal or Proceedings Title | Proceedings of the 7th International Rangelands Congress 2003 |
Journal Citation | 7, pp. 473-475 |
Number of Pages | 3 |
Year | 2003 |
Place of Publication | Durban, South Africa |
ISBN | 0958453489 |
Conference/Event | 7th International Rangelands Congress 2003: Rangelands in the New Millennium |
Event Details | 7th International Rangelands Congress 2003: Rangelands in the New Millennium Event Date 26 Jul 2003 to end of 01 Aug 2003 Event Location Durban, South Africa |
Abstract | Analysis of historical data of daily rainfall for Harare showed that El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impacts on the timing of break-of-dry season and follow-up rainfall as well as the frequency of rain events during summer (Nov-Mar). The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) was a useful indicator of the timing and frequency of these events, defined as 40mm of rainfall in 3 days. Median dates for the first and second events were 1 December and 17 December respectively; ENSO contributed to a shift in these dates of about 2 weeks. The percent chance of receiving break-of-season rainfall by 1 December during La Nina years was 67% compared to 30% in El Nino years. Maize is a staple food in Zimbabwe and delaying planting after 1 December can result in lower yields. Communal farmers could benefit from this apparent ENSO signal in Zimbabwe by adjusting crop variety, planting time and fertilizer rate. However, poor spatial coverage of long-term (>80 years) daily rainfall data in Zimbabwe limits widespread application. |
Keywords | El Nino; southern oscillation; break-of-season; Zimbabwe |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 300203. Agricultural land planning |
370108. Meteorology | |
370202. Climatology | |
Public Notes | This publication is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for the purposes of study, research, or review, but is subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source. |
Byline Affiliations | Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland |
Meteorological Services Department, Zimbabwe | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q2vy0/el-nino-southern-oscillation-based-rainfall-forecasts-in-southern-africa-ii-daily-forecasts-could-help-summer-planting-decisions-in-zimbabwe
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