---
title: Irrigation Needs Could Quadruple for Eastern Shore Soybean Farmers in July and August
date: 2026-06-08T15:54:00-04:00
author: Ella LaGrange
canonical_url: "https://forward.umd.edu/news/irrigation-needs-could-quadruple-for-eastern-shore-soybean-farmers-in-july-and-august"
section: News
---
# Irrigation Needs Could Quadruple for Eastern Shore Soybean Farmers in July and August

*June 8, 2026* — by Ella LaGrange
> UMD Research Shows Increase in Water Demands by End of Century Will Require Changes to Irrigation Systems and Strategies

As climate continues to change, shifting rainfall patterns, more heat, and evaporation will mean soybeans require more irrigation to meet yields.

<span>A new study from the University of Maryland found that even moderate climate change will severely stress underground water supplies on the Eastern Shore during the summer months, and by 2100, soybean crops will need 3 to 4 times more water in July and August than rainfall will provide.</span>

- [Read Up On Agricultural Specialist and Co-Author Hemendra Kumar&#039;s Thoughts](https://agnr.umd.edu/news/irrigation-needs-could-quadruple-eastern-shore-soybean-farmers-july-and-august/)