Abstract

Agriculture and climate work in tandem, yet the influence of teleconnections remains understudied. This study examines relationships between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and crop yields for soybean, corn, and winter wheat in Northeast Ohio. Yield data for each crop from 1940 to 2019 were correlated with regional climate data such as precipitation, temperature, and teleconnection indices for both NAO and ENSO. Daily minimum temperature demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with yield for both soybean and corn, suggesting a causal relationship between nighttime temperatures, yield, and the teleconnection phases that drive these warmer temperatures. Maximum temperature and precipitation did not have a statistically significant relationship with yield. The relationship between ENSO and crop yield was weak and inconsistent. The relationship between NAO and crop yield demonstrated a growing positive association with winter wheat in the past 30 years, which could be attributed to the effects of snowpack along with increased climate instability. These findings suggest nighttime temperatures and NAO variability may be more influential for Northeast Ohio agriculture than previously recognized, emphasizing the need for more regional climate and agriculture research in a changing climate.

Advisor

Wiles, Gregory

Department

Earth Sciences

Disciplines

Agriculture | Atmospheric Sciences | Climate

Keywords

climate, agriculture

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2026 Bella Woodbury