Materials and Methods

This study focuses on Iowa, utilizing secondary atmospheric and spatial data to analyze the effects of drought on corn and soybean yields. Statistical analyses and GIS tools were combined to examine numerical data and geographical patterns. Detailed justifications for data selection, preprocessing steps, and analysis methods are provided to enhance transparency and reproducibility.

Study Area

The study area includes Iowa, an agriculturally dominant region in the U.S., where 85% of the land is dedicated to farming (Bell, 2010). The state produces essential crops like corn and soybeans, supported by its fertile loess soils, flat terrain, and a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters (Islam et al., 2024).