Increasing Yield Loss Threatens Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Production

The loss in yield for key staple crops has seen a worrying increase in recent decades, posing a significant threat to global food security. Corn yield loss has risen by a substantial 5.63 percentage points, climbing from a concerning 1.36% in 1981-2001 to a startling 6.99% in 1986-2016. This upward trend is mirrored in soybean and winter wheat production. Soybean yield loss increased from 12.32% to 15.01%, while winter wheat saw a jump from 16.42% to 18.99% during the same time periods. These findings underscore the urgent need to address the factors driving this trend and protect our vital food sources.