Authors : Prachi Lambat and Ashish Lambat
Page Nos : 15-22
Description :
Climate change poses a significant threat to global agricultural systems, with soybean (Glycine max)—a key source of protein and oil being particularly vulnerable due to its sensitivity to temperature and moisture fluctuations. This study investigates the impact of elevated temperatures on soybean growth and yield in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, a semiarid
region heavily dependent on monsoon rains. A controlled field experiment using soybean variety JS-335 was conducted under ambient and elevated temperature conditions (1–3°C above ambient), simulating projected climate scenarios. Results revealed significant reductions (P < 0.05) in root length (28.4 cm vs. 22.1 cm), shoot length (42.6 cm vs. 35.2 cm), total plant height (71.0 cm vs. 57.3 cm), and biomass (18.5 g vs. 16.0 g per plant) under elevated temperatures. These physiological impairments suggest compromised photosynthetic efficiency and carbon assimilation. Concurrently, a survey of 150 local farmers indicated that 72% observed declining soybean yields over the past five
years, primarily attributed to erratic rainfall and heat stress. In response, farmers have adopted various adaptation strategies, including shifting sowing dates (68%), increasing well irrigation (60%), practicing crop rotation (52%), and
adopting drought-tolerant varieties (45%). While elevated CO₂ levels may offer some fertilization benefits, the adverse
effects of heat and water stress in rainfed systems like Vidarbha are likely to dominate. The study underscores the urgent
need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, heat-tolerant cultivars, and supportive policy frameworks to safeguard
soybean productivity and ensure food security in climate-vulnerable regions.
