Effect of Water Stress on Yield, Nutrient Content and Quality of Soybean

Abstract

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of five levels of drought treatments of soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr. cv. PB-1] in the pot under controlled conditions. The fresh weight of soybean seeds reduced drastically at severe drought stress (20% of F.C) and reduced 32.15% compared to the control (80% F.C.). The reduction was 6.48% at moderate drought stress (50% F.C.). Significant effects (P= <0.001) of drought stress, depending on severity were observed in the accumulation of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), ascorbic acid and malic acid. Significant positive correlation (P= <0.001) was obtained between drought stress and proline content whereas significant negative correlation was obtained between protein content and and drought stress. The nutrient content of soybean leaf and seed also was significantly affected by water deprivation.