Estimating water need for Soybean in the eastern US

Keywords: Soybean water requirement, Eastern United States Agriculture, Climate change, Sustainable resource management, Water use efficiency
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the water need for Soybean (Glycine max) in the eastern United States. An accurate water use estimate is a fundamental factor affecting soybean (Glycine max) yields in the eastern United States, where a wide variety of climates and soil types presents challenges. With rainfall variability intensifying as a consequence of climate change, reliable ways of determining soybean water requirements are becoming increasingly important. The goal of this study is to develop an overall model to estimate soybean water needs based on inputs of local soil properties, precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration rate over eastern US. The model uses field experiments, historical climate data and advances in remote sensing technology to provide farmers and agricultural stakeholders with a region specific, data driven approach to water management in soybean farming. The findings are expected to provide farmers with precise guidance on how to time and how much water to irrigate their crops, reducing water waste but improving crop resilience to drought conditions. Apart from increasing productivity, these insights can contribute to sustainable resource management and improve food security through their support to agricultural resilience. This model, in addition, has the potential to function as a template to optimize water use in other crop systems and regions with similar environmental challenges. This research ultimately advances water use efficiency and adaptability in soybean production to address fundamental aspects of environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture in the responsible use of limited water resources.