A Solar Storm Just Hit Earth. Here's How It May Affect Some Crops

The recent solar storm that lit up the skies with breathtaking auroras didn't just create a vibrant spectacle; it also had tangible, down-to-earth impacts, especially for farmers. Solar storms occur when the sun ejects streams of charged particles that collide with the Earth's magnetic field. That clash can disrupt essential technology, like satellites, radio signals, and power systems, throwing off the finely tuned systems that modern farming depends on. 

Accurate agriculture, once guided primarily by a farmer's experience, now leans heavily on technology. GPS-enabled tractors allow for laser-straight planting rows, drones can be used to monitor soil health, and satellites provide crucial data for irrigation and fertilization. When those signals are interrupted, the effects can quickly cascade. A tractor might veer inches off course with every pass, automated planters may misplace seeds, or soil sensors could deliver delayed or inaccurate data. In an industry that relies on precision, these minor errors can have magnified consequences.

Agriculture is a business that's built entirely on the right timing, where disruptions during planting can ripple into the later harvest months. Even a few hours of unreliable equipment might push planting into wetter conditions the next day, or leave seedlings exposed to harsher conditions later in the season. Unlike a rain storm, which can physically halt fieldwork, a solar storm can work invisibly by scrambling the very systems that guide necessary equipment. Farmers can't feel the interference above the atmosphere, but they may start to notice that their technology isn't cooperating as it typically does. Crops themselves aren't scorched or damaged directly, but the tech tethered to them can falter at inopportune times. This makes it more important than ever to pay attention and protect crops from storms, especially if you work in agriculture.

Mid-September is a crucial stretch for farmers across many regions, as this is when fall crops take root and preparations for wintering planting are in full swing. In northern areas, winter wheat is going into the soil, and its success often hinges on getting strong roots established before the first freeze. Cover crops, such as rye, clover, and vetch, are also seeded now, shielding the soil from erosion while replenishing nutrients in the soil for spring. 

In warmer regions, growers may be sowing garlic, onions, spinach, kale, and radishes — companion vegetables that you can plant for a fall garden that need the right start to thrive in colder temperatures. A solar storm that disrupts GPS or field equipment during this time could push planting back several days, which is more than a farming inconvenience. A late-planted wheat crop may struggle to survive frost while cover crops planted too late may not sprout densely enough to protect the soil. Even small shifts in the time table can have measurable impacts on yield and soil health later in the season.

The best way to prepare for these types of storms is through the right kind of preparation. Some farmers are combining modern technology with age-old techniques to ensure their schedule isn't disrupted. This can include simple strategies like staggering planting schedules or spreading out the risk so that a single disruption doesn't cause too much chaos. In addition, solar weather alerts — available through organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — allow farmers to anticipate these storms much like a traditional forecast. While solar storms may not strike every planting season, their potential to disrupt agriculture is real, and shouldn't be ignored.