The Impact of Surface Ozone and Particulate Matter 2.5 on Rice Yield in China: An Econometric Approach

Based on real county-level surface ozone and PM2.5 data, an econometric model was constructed to comprehensively consider its impacts on rice yield in China. At the same time, other economic, climate, and regional variables were included in the econometric model to accurately measure the interaction between surface ozone and PM2.5 on rice yield in China. The results showed that an increase in ozone concentration in different periods and an increase in PM2.5 in the growth period would reduce the rice yield. The interaction coefficient between ozone and PM2.5 suggests that PM2.5 partially mitigated the amount of ozone absorbed by rice plants, which in turn had a positive effect on rice yield. Therefore, while controlling PM2.5 and reducing near-surface ozone concentration, it is necessary to comprehensively consider its impact on rice yield.