The Role of Agronomic Interventions in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Crop Growth and Yield

Climate change—characterized by rising temperatures, more frequent heat and drought events, shifting rainfall patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO₂—poses major threats to crop growth, yield stability, and global food security. Agronomic interventions, which modify management practices in fields and farms, represent a critical line of defense to buffer crops against climate stress. This review synthesizes recent literature on agronomic strategies that can help maintain or improve crop growth and yield under climate change. Key interventions include use of drought- and heat-tolerant cultivars, altered planting dates, optimized fertilization (including nutrient use efficiency), improved water management (e.g. precision irrigation, mulching), crop diversification (intercropping, crop rotation), conservation agriculture practices (reduced tillage, cover crops), agroforestry, soil amendments, and carbon sequestration techniques (e.g. enhanced weathering). We examine evidence of effectiveness, trade-offs, barriers to adoption, and co-benefits (including mitigation of greenhouse gases). Also discussed are knowledge gaps and policy/practice implications. Overall, while many agronomic interventions show promise in increasing resilience and yield in smallholder and commercial systems, their success depends heavily on local conditions (soil, climate, socio-economic factors) and support systems (extension, access to improved seeds, monitoring). Recommendations are offered for integrating agronomic interventions into climate-smart agriculture frameworks to enhance global food security under changing climatic conditions.