Demarcation of Micro Agro-Climatic Zones of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to divide Punjab into micro agro-climatic zones of homogeneous characteristics of climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, and humidity) concerning agricultural production. For the delineation of Punjab into agro-climatic zones, precipitation, temperature, and humidity regime, major crops were grown and agricultural productivity was taken into consideration. The different map layers were prepared using suitable databases and methodologies. At the end, different map layers were prepared and an agro-climate zones map was generated which reflected different agro-climatic zones. There were 4 major and 9 micro agro-climatic zones generated. Major zones were defined based on Koppen and Geiger climate classification, as well as micro-level zonation, which was based on the expert’s opinion method. The highest average precipitation (1244 mm) and lowest temperature (22 OC) were seen in zone, 1cwa while the lowest precipitation (133 mm) and mean monthly highest temperature (26 OC) were observed in zone 1Bwh. The average highest concentration of humidity (64%) was recorded in zone Cfa as well as the lowest ratio (54%) was seen in the 2Bwh zone. Wheat's highest production (783 thousand metric tons), sugarcane's highest production (3745 thousand metric tons), and cotton's highest production (1066 thousand metric bales) were observed in zone 1Bwh and rice's highest production was seen in zone Cfa. The lowest crop yields were observed in the 1Cwa zone.