The description of the relation between climate and
soybeans in the humid Argentine Pampas is proposed
as an initial step in the chain of studies necessary to
evaluate the impact of climate variability and change
on production. This paper sets the bibliographic basis
of statistical modelling of the climate-related crop, and
quantifies objectively the spatial and temporal variability
of soybean yield that can be allocated to climate variability
in the region. The outcome of this study can be
used by researchers to assess current climatic fluctuations
and variability and the expected climate change for the
twenty-first century.
The heterogeneity of the yield suggests that every state
or group of producers should have their own strategy. In
general, these strategies depend on several factors (rates,
policies and technological availability) and also on climate
and weather. The relationship between climatic variables
and yield should be analysed in a decision process.
Thus, it is possible to determine which parameters need
to be monitored and therefore to minimize the investment
required for the expected yield. The results obtained in
this study can also be useful in the ongoing Argentinian
national assessment of the potential consequences of cli-
mate variability and change on agricultural production,
land-use and natural resources. These approaches may
be very useful to a broad range of decision makers in the
agricultural sector.