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Performance of Sorghum Varieties under Variable Rainfall in Central Tanzania
Barnabas M Msongaleli1, S D Tumbo2, N I Kihupi2
1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 395, Dodoma, Tanzania.
International Scholarly Research Notices
|May 25, 2017
Summary
Rainfall variability significantly impacts sorghum yields in semiarid regions, with dry spells causing lower grain production. Future climate projections indicate rising temperatures will exacerbate these effects, leading to poor crop performance.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Climate Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Rainfall variability poses a significant threat to crop production, particularly in semiarid regions, leading to frequent crop failures.
- Sorghum is a vital crop in these areas, but its yield is highly sensitive to climatic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rainfall variability on improved sorghum varieties using the APSIM crop model.
- To analyze long-term historical rainfall data and projected climate scenarios to understand future yield trends.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the parameterized APSIM crop model for simulations.
- Analyzed historical rainfall data for trends in growing season onset, cessation, and length.
- Simulated sorghum yields under various rainfall distribution scenarios, including dry spells.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that rainfall variability significantly affects improved sorghum variety yields.
- Identified a concurrence of lower grain yields with 10-day dry spells during the cropping season.
- Projected that increasing temperatures will override the impacts of rainfall variability on future sorghum yields.
Conclusions:
- Even improved sorghum varieties are likely to perform poorly if moisture stress is not mitigated.
- Climate change, specifically rising temperatures, presents a substantial future challenge for sorghum production in semiarid areas.
- Addressing rainfall variability and its interaction with climate change is crucial for ensuring food security.
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