# Scientists Test Deep-Rooted Soybeans for Climate Resilience

> Deep-rooted soybeans may store more carbon and withstand climate extremes, researchers say.
- Title: Scientists Test Deep-Rooted Soybeans for Climate Resilience
- Summary: Deep-rooted soybeans may store more carbon and withstand climate extremes, researchers say. Salk Institute scientists are testing deep-rooted soybeans to…
- Keywords: salk institute, soybeans, carbon storage, climate change, deep roots, bezos earth fund, agriculture, crop yield, drought resistance, carbon dioxide, news, local
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/business/scientists-hope-deeper-rooted-soybeans-can-withstand-climate-extremes-and-store-more-carbon
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: salk institute, soybeans, carbon storage, climate change, deep roots, bezos earth fund, agriculture, crop yield, drought resistance, carbon dioxide, news, local
## Salk scientists test deep-rooted soybeans
Researchers hope deeper-rooted soybeans can withstand climate extremes while storing more carbon from the atmosphere.

> We are actually steering in a direction that is very concerning
## Carbon storage potential
Deep-rooted soybeans could store an additional metric ton of carbon dioxide per hectare annually.
## Field trials underway
Salk researchers are testing deep-rooted soybeans in drought conditions at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
## Genetic modifications
Scientists edited soybean DNA to create roots that penetrate soil deeper than typical plants.
## Carbon storage benefits
Deeper roots may store carbon farther underground, reducing release when fields are tilled.
## Drought resistance
Deep-rooted plants access water below the top soil layer during droughts.
## Carbon storage duration
How long carbon stays stored depends on root depth and soil conditions.
## Field testing locations
Salk researchers are testing deep-rooted soybeans in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa.
## Adoption challenges
Farmers are reluctant to adopt new crops without evidence they won’t cause disease or heat issues.
## Funding for research
An $18 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund supports field testing of deep-rooted soybeans.
## Carbon removal potential
Deeper-rooted crops could remove 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide annually by 2040.
## Systemic adoption barriers
Crop adoption depends on seed companies, subsidies, and farmers’ decisions, not just technology.
## Key takeaway

Salk Institute scientists are testing deep-rooted soybeans to store more carbon and resist climate stressors, with field trials expected this fall.