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

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The introduction provides a good overview of the research's importance but could be more concise in explaining the connection between the studied variables and previous research. Some citations are overly descriptive and do not clearly articulate how this study addresses existing gaps in the literature. While the econometric method is fairly clear, the selection of variables and their justification could be elaborated further. Additionally, the explanation of the fixed effects model should be clarified, particularly in relation to the assumptions behind its use. The discussion of results effectively explains the impact of PM2.5 and ozone on rice yield, but the interaction between these pollutants could be explored in greater depth to better distinguish their positive and negative effects on yield.

The findings are clearly presented through tables and figures, and the interpretation of coefficients is generally understandable, though some sections could benefit from numerical examples for further clarity. While the references are extensive and include relevant studies, incorporating more recent literature could strengthen the argument, particularly regarding the econometric model. The conclusions align with the main findings, but the policy recommendations remain somewhat general and could be more specific in identifying the most effective air pollution control policies. Lastly, the English language could be improved to enhance readability, as some sentences are overly complex and technical terms could be used more consistently.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study employs an econometric approach to evaluate the impacts of surface ozone and PM₂.₅ on rice yields in China, incorporating socioeconomic and climatic variables. While the research addresses a critical gap in understanding multi-pollutant interactions on food security, several methodological and analytical limitations must be addressed to strengthen the validity and applicability of the findings. A major revision is recommendated to this manuscript. Some concerns are provided for the authors.

 

1. This manuscript attributes the compensatory effect of PM₂.₅ on ozone-induced yield loss to reduced stomatal uptake of ozone by rice. However, this mechanism remains speculative without direct experimental or physiological validation.
2. The ozone exposure indices and PM₂.₅ concentrations are interpolated from monitoring stations using inverse distance weighting. Spatial and temporal resolution limitations of IDW may introduce bias, especially in regions with sparse station coverage.
3. The model does not account for co-pollutants such as NOₓ and SO₂ which may confound the yield relationship.
4. The reliance on a single econometric model raises concerns about omitted variable bias and model sensitivity.
5. Key datasets lack transparency in preprocessing steps. For example, PM₂.₅ data during the "grow period" are mentioned but not clearly defined.
6. The estimated yield losses are not contextualized against climate change impacts or adaptive farming practices, reducing the utility of findings for policymakers.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English of this manuscript can be further improved.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study used an econometric method and incorporated atmospheric, socioeconomic, and biophysical information to identify the effect of  the interaction term between ozone and PM2.5, using field observations in China. In the  estimation, the adverse effects of ozone and PM2.5 and the positive effect of  the interaction term between ozone and PM2.5 on rice yield was examined.

The data in this study primarily include surface ozone data, PM2.5, weather data, and socioeconomic variable data, and then introduce each data point in detail.

Socioeconomic variables included rice-planted area, output, price, production, and 158 the price index of the agricultural means of production.

The double fixed effect model to measure the impact of surface ozone pollution on rice production, and the PM2.5 factors are controlled.  

It was concluded that, considering the current situation of China's ozone pollution and its impact on ambient air quality, as well as the potential harm to human health, food security, and ecological security, China should attach great importance to the prevention and control of  ozone pollution, establish China's multi-air pollutant collaborative control strategy with PM2.5, ozone as the core at the national level, and deepen scientific research and further 284 study on the chemical mechanism and meteorological factors of PM2.5, and ozone pollution. While the state controls PM2.5, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the 286 regulatory role of PM2.5 in the impact of ozone on rice yield.

 

The work is well organized some points could be considered to put this work in its optimal form.

The problem statement is clear but still some kind of comparison as other model need to be discussed and compared with China

Econometric modeling is defined as the process of putting empirical evidence on theoretical structures in the field of economics by specifying theory in functional form, gathering relevant data, and using statistical methods to bridge theory and data for analysis and prediction. More details is needed to verify the econometric modeling

The same could be also for Yield loss which depend mainly on Wang and Mauzerall  

Based on the above considerations the present work could be accepted after minor revision.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments for Authors
1. Congratulations!!, it is an innovative topic to continue researching.
2. Although there is not enough literature on the subject, from the context of the research carried out, they have been able to document their work.
3. The results broadly describe its proposed objective.
4. I suggest using more up-to-date bibliographic references, use some keywords related to your topic of interest.
5. The results give rise to further research on the subject and other associated subjects.
Thank you.

Author Response

please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The current manuscript is ready for publication.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study used an econometric method and incorporated atmospheric, socioeconomic, and biophysical information to identify the effect of  the interaction term between ozone and PM2.5, using field observations in China. In the  estimation, the adverse effects of ozone and PM2.5 and the positive effect of  the interaction term between ozone and PM2.5 on rice yield was examined.

The data in this study primarily include surface ozone data, PM2.5, weather data, and socioeconomic variable data, and then introduce each data point in detail.

Socioeconomic variables included rice-planted area, output, price, production, and 158 the price index of the agricultural means of production.

The double fixed effect model to measure the impact of surface ozone pollution on rice production, and the PM2.5 factors are controlled.  

It was concluded that, considering the current situation of China's ozone pollution and its impact on ambient air quality, as well as the potential harm to human health, food security, and ecological security, China should attach great importance to the prevention and control of  ozone pollution, establish China's multi-air pollutant collaborative control strategy with PM2.5, ozone as the core at the national level, and deepen scientific research and further 284 study on the chemical mechanism and meteorological factors of PM2.5, and ozone pollution. While the state controls PM2.5, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the 286 regulatory role of PM2.5 in the impact of ozone on rice yield.

The work is well organized, the points which recommended as minors are addressed by authors.

So that, the present work could be accepted in its present form.