Abstract: Based on precipitation data from 1956 to 2005 in Shouxian,Liu'an and Huoshan County of Liu'an region in Anhui Province,the characteristics of precipitation change was analyzed by using coefficient of variation(Cv),changing trend,mutation analysis and power spectral analysis.The influence of precipitation changes upon agricultural production was analyzed.The results showed that the precipitation decreased in Shouxian,Liu'an and Huoshan over last 50 years with an intermediate variation.The process of precipitation changes experienced three phases,namely partial dry,partial wet and dry and wet alternation.The Abrupt precipitation change in Shouxian and Liu'an County appeared in 1992,while it was in Huoshan County in 1965.The spectral analysis showed that the periodicities of precipitation were seven to eight years,two to three years and two years in Shouxian,Liu'an and Huoshan respectively.

Key words: Characteristics of precipitation, Characteristics of precipitation, Changing trend, Mutation analysis, Power spectral analysis