Modelling Vegetable Crop Growth and Production in China Under Climate Change

Vegetables are critical for health, yet global intake remains below recommended levels. As the world’s leading producer, exporter, and consumer of vegetables, China faces pressing challenges to ensure self-sufficiency under climate change. This thesis developed two new WOFOST vegetable models to predict climate impacts on Chinese cabbage and chili pepper yields. Projections indicate that future climate patterns could unexpectedly boost the yields of both crops by 2080 despite rising temperatures. These findings reveal a potential "nutritional bonus" for China while offering a valuable framework for global food security.