Climate change impacts on spatiotemporal variability of soybean water demands in North China Plain

Climate change has been acknowledged as one of the greatest challenges for agricultural production and water management globally. This study investigates the trends and spatial distribution of the water demands of soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merrill) from 1961 to 2020 in the Jing-jin-ji region of the North China Plain to reveal the effects of climate change. Climate data were collected from 179 weather stations to calculate soybean evapotranspiration ( ET c ) and irrigation demand using the SIMETAW (Simulation of EvapoTranspiration of Applied Water) model developed on Penman-Monteith equation with daily meteorology data. Results showed that soybean ET c during growth season decreased significantly over the last sixty years, from 435 mm yr −1 in 1961–1970–415 mm yr −1 in 2011–2020, around an average of 423 ± 20 mm yr −1 . Effective rainfall during the growth period increased by + 0.5 mm yr −1 rate, while irrigation demand declined by −0.9 mm yr −1 . Rainfall during growth seasons from May to September supplied about 92 % of the water demand for soybean, higher than winter crops. The spatial distribution of soybean ET c showed high values in the south and low values in the north during the past six decades. The initial maximum ET c area (> 480 mm) shrank after 1961–1970, disappearing after 2000. During the last sixty years, solar radiation, wind speed and sunshine hours decreased significantly, leading to a significant decline in soybean ET c at −0.4 mm yr −1 , but average daily precipitation had the most significant negative impact on ET c . The study provided spatial and temporal information needed to improve water use efficiency and increase the adaptability of soybean production to climate change. This is essential to ensure regional food security and promote sustainable agricultural development for water-stressed agricultural areas. • Soybean evapotranspiration ( ET c ) and irrigation need were simulated from 1961 to 2020. • Soybean ET c showed a significant decline in the last six decades in North China Plain. • Soybean ET c showed high values in the south and low values in the north. • Solar radiation decreased significantly, leading to a significant decline in soybean ET c .