Impact of Projected Climate on <i>Vigna mungo</i> Yield Across Soil Types in the Semi‐Arid Tropics of India

ABSTRACT Blackgram ( Vigna mungo ) is an important pulse crop grown mainly under rainfed and partly under irrigated conditions in the North Interior Karnataka region of the Deccan Plateau of India. However, rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change pose a significant threat to its consistent performance and productivity. To assess the effect of projected climates (2021–2040) on blackgram productivity in the region, the DSSAT‐CROPGRO model was used, which was calibrated and validated using experimental data recorded at the MULLaRP Scheme, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India during the year 2022. The study considered two predominant soil types: black clay and red sandy soils across the study area. Under future climates, blackgram yield in the region is projected to decrease by 19.7% on black clay soils and up to 32.0% on red sandy soils compared to the current climate (2011–2020) period under rainfed situations. Among the 12 districts studied, the highest yield reduction under the projected climate was observed in Gadag (51.5% and 69.2%, respectively, in black clay and red sandy soils), followed by Haveri (43.7% and 56.2%, respectively, in black clay and red sandy soils).