Characteristics of root growth and soybean yield on drought stress

Abstract

Drought stress is a major limiting factor for soybean cultivated on dry land. Water limitation in the root zone will inhibit the growth, development and yield of soybeans. This research aimed to study the characteristics of root growth and its effect on soybean yield on drought stress. The study used a pot method with two levels of treatment, 80% field capacity (FC) and 20% FC. Tested indicator plants were soybean consisting of two types, namely Nanti and Cikurai. The results showed that the Nanti Variety at 20% FC groundwater content experienced a percentage decrease in root dry weight, root volume, root length, shoot dry weight, and dry seed yield with the values of 58.33; 73.2; 24.85; 69.63 and 73.00%, respectively. Cikuray varieties experienced a decrease in root dry weight (55.17%), root volume (43.8%), root length (47.13%), shoot dry weight (71.05%), and dry seed yield (62.78%), respectively.