Case Study 2
Poor air quality doesn’t just affect human health; it also has severe repercussions for agriculture. In California’s Central Valley, high AQI due to wildfires and vehicle emissions results in increased levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), affecting crop health. Research shows that particulate pollution blocks sunlight, reducing photosynthesis efficiency in plants. Prolonged exposure also leads to the deposition of pollutants on leaves, which hampers growth and reduces crop yields.
For farmers in the Central Valley, reduced yields translate to financial losses. The diminished quality of crops, affected by pollutants, affects market value and threatens food security. AQI monitoring is crucial for this region to anticipate air quality impacts on agriculture. Real-time AQI data allows farmers to make informed decisions about the timing of planting, harvesting, and pesticide application. Additionally, the government can use AQI data to provide relief subsidies and implement regulations to protect the agricultural sector from further harm. Therefore, monitoring AQI helps mitigate economic and food security risks associated with polluted air in agricultural communities.
