Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2930
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2930
04 Jul 2025
 | 04 Jul 2025

The Preseason Warming of the Indian Ocean Resulting in Soybean Failure in U.S.

Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou

Abstract. Soybean is the most important oilseed and feed crop globally. As one of the major soybean producers in the world, soybean yield variability in the United States has garnered widespread attention. We analyze the effect of the Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) on soybean yield variability. Our findings indicate that variations in Indian Ocean SST during the November–December–January (hereinafter referred to as ND(-1)J) period, approximately nine months prior to harvest, account for 16 % of the anomaly in U.S. soybean yields. Furthermore, for each standard deviation change in the Indian Ocean Basin (IOB) index, there is an estimated 4.0 % change in total soybean production in the United States. The root zone soil moisture and maximum temperature during the reproductive growth stage in summer are the key factors influencing the United States soybean yields. The warming of the Indian Ocean could cause hot and dry conditions during July-August-September (JAS) by influencing ND(-1)J soil moisture and the eastern Pacific SST, leading to substantial soybean failures in the United States. Our findings emphasize the importance of the Indian Ocean SST on soybean production in the United States and reveal the pathways of this impact, which can help predict the United States soybean failures and improve food security worldwide.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

05 Dec 2025
The preseason warming of the Indian Ocean resulting in soybean failure in US
Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou
Earth Syst. Dynam., 16, 2187–2199, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-16-2187-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-16-2187-2025, 2025
Short summary
Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2930', Anonymous Referee #1, 26 Jul 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Menghan Li, 05 Sep 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2930', Anonymous Referee #2, 14 Aug 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Menghan Li, 05 Sep 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2930', Anonymous Referee #1, 26 Jul 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Menghan Li, 05 Sep 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2930', Anonymous Referee #2, 14 Aug 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Menghan Li, 05 Sep 2025

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (12 Sep 2025) by Karin van der Wiel
AR by Menghan Li on behalf of the Authors (01 Oct 2025)
EF by Anna Mirena Feist-Polner (08 Oct 2025)  Manuscript   Author's response   Author's tracked changes 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (10 Nov 2025) by Karin van der Wiel
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (10 Nov 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (18 Nov 2025)
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (20 Nov 2025) by Karin van der Wiel
AR by Menghan Li on behalf of the Authors (21 Nov 2025)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

05 Dec 2025
The preseason warming of the Indian Ocean resulting in soybean failure in US
Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou
Earth Syst. Dynam., 16, 2187–2199, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-16-2187-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-16-2187-2025, 2025
Short summary
Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou
Menghan Li, Xichen Li, Yi Zhou, and Yurong Hou

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Short summary
Warming in the Indian Ocean can cause hotter, drier U.S. summers and reduce soybean yields. Our study reveals that temperature changes in the Indian Ocean during the preceding winter explain 16 % of variations in U.S. soybean yields. This happens because warmer ocean waters disrupt atmospheric patterns, lowering soil moisture and increasing summer heat during critical growth stages, stressing soybean plants. Understanding this link helps improve crop risk forecasts and protect food security.
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