Study of Drought Stress Patterns in Khorasan Province using Climatic-Agricultural Indices

Abstract

The present study is aimed to evaluate the drought patterns in Khorasan province over the<br><br>years of 1983 to 2011. Drought conditions using rainfed wheat yield is an indicator reflecting climate<br><br>conditions and patterns, which is used in agriculture. In the current study, the integration of drought stress indicator suitable with the region conditions (Heat to Precipitation Ratio index), land-spatial analysis for evaluating spatial distribution and drought time patterns during previous years, was used. It identifies some regions (Torbat heydarieh, Ferdows, Gonabad and Ghaen), in which relative harsh drought causes problem for crop production. High amount of HPR was observed in wider part of the province, and higher amounts HPR were seen in cities of Nehbandan and Boshruyeh. In general, time patterns in the present study shows that drought across Khorasan province is accompanied with increasing trend.