Abstract
Forage production is primarily limited by weather conditions under dryland production systems in Brazilian semi-arid regions, therefore sowing at the appropriate time is critical. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the CSM-CERES-Pearl Millet model from the DSSAT software suite for its ability to simulate growth, development, and forage accumulation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.] at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, and to use the model to study the impact of different sowing dates on pearl millet performance for forage. Four pearl millet cultivars were grown during the 2011 rainy season in field experiments conducted at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, under rainfed conditions. The genetic coefficients of the four pearl millet cultivars were calibrated for the model, and the model performance was evaluated with experimental data. The model was run for 14 sowing dates using long-term historical weather data from three locations, to determine the optimum sowing window. Results showed that performance of the model was satisfactory as indicated by accurate simulation of crop phenology and forage accumulation against measured data. The optimum sowing window varied among locations depending on rainfall patterns, although showing the same trend for cultivars within the site. The best sowing windows were from 15 April to 15 May for the Bom Conselho location; 12 April to 02 May for Nossa Senhora da Gloria; and 17 April to 25 May for Sao Bento do Una. The model can be used as a tool to evaluate the effect of sowing date on forage pearl millet performance in Brazilian semi-arid conditions.
Highlights
In Brazil, the semi-arid region comprises 95 million hectares of which only 3% is suitable for irrigation, leaving an immense dryland area to be exploited if sustainable production practices can be identified and implemented (Martins et al, 2003)
Several studies have evaluated the potential of pearl millet as forage for ruminants in dry regions (Messman et al, 1992; Hill et al, 1999), data on its management are limited, especially about ideal sowing dates
For semi-arid regions, the planting date decision is important because of its effect on yield and the need to minimize the risk of establishment failures and to decrease cost and labor required for replanting
Summary
In Brazil, the semi-arid region comprises 95 million hectares of which only 3% is suitable for irrigation, leaving an immense dryland area to be exploited if sustainable production practices can be identified and implemented (Martins et al, 2003). Under these conditions, forage production represents one possible alternative. Within this context, pearl millet is a candidate feed source for agricultural adaptation in dry regions as it is a tropical plant possessing the C4 photosynthetic pathway and it has tolerance to. For semi-arid regions, the planting date decision is important because of its effect on yield and the need to minimize the risk of establishment failures and to decrease cost and labor required for replanting
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