Atmosphere and agriculture in the new millennium

Effects of changing climate (CO2, O3, aerosols, UV-B radiation, temperature and precipitation) on crops are predominantly based on univariate studies. Limited bivariate studies suggest rising CO2 levels would be beneficial to crops but may be offset by adverse O3 effects. Elevated UV-B and ambient crop yields are difficult to project due also to limited research. Climate warming concerns, using average daily temperatures may be less important than the effects of rising nocturnal temperatures on crop growth. Traditional approaches of examining air pollutant-induced visible foliar injury or the effects of single air pollutants on crop productivity need to be redirected to the analysis of integrated holistic systems. In that context, present and future agriculture in India and the USA are compared.