Climate change increases soybean production but worsens its quality

A study by Brazilian scientists (LAFIECO/IB-USP), published in the journal Food Research International, found that the combined effects of three climatic factors (increased CO₂, high temperatures, and drought) led to a 50% increase in soybean yield while simultaneously reducing its nutritional composition, AgroXXI reports, citing the published results.

The scientists found a 20% decrease in starch content and a 6% decrease in protein content in beans exposed to these climatic factors. They also noted a significant increase in amino acid content (by 175%).

The prediction was performed using AI (XGBoost and CatBoost models) based on experimental data from dual stresses. The experiments were conducted in open-top chambers at double the CO₂ concentration (800 ppm) and a 5°C temperature increase.

A nonlinear pattern of metabolic changes caused by the combination of stressors was also revealed. It was found that elevated CO₂ partially compensates for moisture loss through stomatal closure, but the combined effects of these factors redirect carbon to fiber synthesis instead of starch.

These data are expected to be used to calibrate IPCC global agricultural forecasting models. The next stage of the research is to identify genes responsible for stress tolerance for subsequent breeding adaptation of soybeans to climate change.

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