Adapting to Saltwater Intrusion: Profitability of Salt-Tolerant Soybeans in Eastern North Carolina

In this edition of the NC State Economist, Greg Ferraro, Roderick M. Rejesus, Luke Gatiboni and Andrea Gibbs explore the issue of saltwater intrusion and sea level rise (SWISLR) in Eastern North Carolina agriculture.

First, general adaptation options to manage potential yield damage from saltwater intrusion are discussed. An analysis of the potential profitability impacts of using salt-tolerant soybean varieties is then described. In general, the use of salt-tolerant soybean varieties can help mitigate the potential profit-reducing impact of low-to-moderate levels of saltwater intrusion.