Geography & Weather Influence on the Type of Crops in Louisiana

Weather vs. Climate

• Weather refers to the day to day temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation. Climate describes the average weather in a particular place. The difference is an important distinction to make when discussing types of crops grown in an area. Weather may play a role in the successful yield of a crop, but climate is what determines if that crop can grow at all. For example, a two week cold front in Florida may damage orange yields temporarily, but oranges wouldn't grow in Florida at all if its climate was generally cold.

Louisiana Climate/Weather

• Louisiana's climate is typically described as humid and subtropical. This means Louisiana receives a steady amount of rainfall, has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The climate in the northern part of Louisiana varies more than in the southern part, which is kept constant by ocean currents. Generally, temperatures in the state range from the mid-50s in the winter to the low-90s in the summer. Temperatures in the southern part of the state are about 10 degrees warmer in the winter than in the north. Louisiana is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes in the summer, both of which can devastate crops.

Lousiana Geography

• Lousiana is a relatively flat state. Its average elevation is only 100 feet above sea level. Its land is divided between three geographical regions: the East Gulf Coastal Plains, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and the West Gulf Coastal Plains. The Gulf of Mexico runs along the entire southern coastline, which gives Louisiana an abundance of shrimp and other marine crops, such as crawfish.

Louisiana Crops

• Aside from marine crops, Louisiana produces rice, corn, soybeans, sugarcane, and forestry products. Cotton grows well in Louisiana because it requires long growing seasons, hot temperatures and plenty of water for the soil. Likewise, sugarcane grows well in Louisiana because it can grow at low elevations, requires long growing seasons with a mild harvesting season and adequate rainfall. Louisiana ranks as third among states in rice production as rice also thrives in warm, humid conditions.