Water use efficiency, the amount of biomass produced per unit water used, that results in greater yield per unit rainfall is an important parameter in determining crop yields in rainfed production systems, and is often related with crop tolerance to water stress. However, currently no varieties in South Carolina exhibit increased WUE. Since root distribution and architecture are critical in optimizing water absorption, a novel root system architecture could exist that optimizes plant WUE in regional soils that even contain a hardpan. The objectives of this project are to identify water use efficient soybean genotypes that perform well and to identify the root system architecture that improves WUE of soybean in these soils.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies