Assessment of soybean cultivars’responses to diverse climatic conditions in Northern Poland in terms of yield and seed composition

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max) is an important source of plant-based protein and oil, but its cultivation is highly sensitive to climate conditions. In Poland, interest in soybean is growing due to climate change and increasing demand for protein-rich crops. However, cultivation of photophilic crops is still limited. This study presents results from field trials conducted in Northern Poland from 2017 to 2019, involving 13 registered soybean cultivars tested at 10 locations. The aim of the study was to evaluate seed yield, protein and fat content and protein yield under varying environmental conditions. Weather variability, particularly temperature and rainfall, had a greater influence on results than the cultivar tested. Advanced statistical analyses showed that, of all 13 tested cultivars, Moravians (mid-late) had the most favorable WAAS and GSI values in terms of protein yield. According to WTOP3 score, the Kofu (late) cultivar had the highest adaptability for seeds yield and protein yield. Protein yield is the most important indicator of the profitablility of soybean cultivation in countries with a deficit of feed plant protein. The study supports targeted cultivar selection to improve soybean production under changing climate conditions in countries located at higher latitudes, such as Poland.