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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Spatial and temporal changes in rainfall in the southern zone of Tamil Nadu-An analysis

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8235
Submitted
13 March 2025
Published
10-09-2025 — Updated on 29-09-2025
Versions

Abstract

Rainfall plays a crucial role in planning and managing water resources. Climate fluctuations significantly impact water availability and rainfall patterns. This study analyses spatiotemporal changes and trends in extreme rainfall events from 1990 - 2022 in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. It also compares seasonal rainfall variability across four districts-Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Madurai-within the southern zone. The study employs Markov Chain modelling, the Mann-Kendall trend test and compound growth rate analysis, utilising secondary data from government sources. The findings indicate significant shifts in the pattern of rainfall in Ramanathapuram, exhibiting a downward trend. The transition matrix suggests a 75 % chance of heavy rain in November. The results provide significant insights into climate variability and its impacts on sustainable agriculture, suggesting that farmers plan for a better cropping system in advance to achieve a higher yield.

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