Impact of Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Chemical Properties of Soybean Seeds in Temperate Climate

The goal of this research is to determine the effects of different levels of water deficit (I₁₀₀: full irrigation, I₆₅: 35% deficit, I₄₀: 60% deficit and I₀: no irrigation) on yield and chemical composition of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in Srem region of Serbia. Water deficit significantly affected the yield and chemical composition of soybean seeds. The lowest (1.63 t/ha) and the highest (3.21 t/ha) seed yields were obtained from I₀ and I₆₅ treatments, respectively. Furthermore, the highest protein (1092 kg/ha) and oil (563 kg/ha) yields were observed in I₆₅ treatment. Lower and higher irrigation levels from I₆₅ decreased the protein and oil yields. Our data indicated that irrigation generally increased K, P, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn and B concentrations and decreased Ca and Fe concentrations in soybean seed. It was clearly observed that full-watered treatment (I₁₀₀) provided no potential benefit in terms of soybean yield and chemical composition. For higher economic yield and good nutritional quality, water-saving treatment I₆₅ could be suitable in soybean management in Srem region of Serbia as in other regions with similar soil and climate conditions.