Meteorological Factors Related to Decreased Yield of Paddy Rice in Kagoshima Prefecture in 2003

The meteorological factors related to decreased yield of paddy rice in Kagoshima Prefecture in 2003 are discussed. A close relationship was found between meteorologically potential yield (Yp) estimated by growth simulation models and actual yield (Ya) at Kagoshima City. And, in 2003, the decreased yield of paddy rice occurred on early season culture at Kagoshima City were attributed to the low Yp. It was estimated from an analysis at Kagoshima City that the lower productivity on early season culture in 2003 was primarily attributable to lower solar radiation. The geographical distribution of the crop situation index in districts of Kagoshima Prefecture nearly corresponded with that of the decreased percentage of sunshine duration from the middle to the last third of June