Sole Sorghum Research Articles

Effects of Pigeon Pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i>) Intercropping on Sorghum Crop Production and Soil Fertility Level in Case of Harari Regional State (Erer Research on Station)

The study was conducted during 2019 main cropping season at Erer research station Babile district PA. Globally pigeon pea (<i>Cajanus cajan</i> (L.) Millsp.) is the fifth most important pulse crop mainly grown in the developing countries by resource-poor farmers in drought prone areas and on degraded soils. It is a multipurpose leguminous crop that can provide food, forage, fuel wood and fodder for the small-scale farmer in subsistence agriculture. Pigeon pea is a deep-rooted and drought tolerant grain legume that adds substantial amount of organic matter to the soil and has the ability to fix up to 235 kg N/ha). Harari regional state, farmers didn’t accept drought tolerant sorghum variety, because of small harvests of total biomass. Thus why, pigeon pea sorghum intercropping can solve the problem of low availability of forage and low soil fertility in this low land area. The treatments of the experiments were, Sole sorghum (malkam) variety, Sorghum + Accession 16520, Sorghum + Accession 16527, sorghum +Accession 16528, pigeon pea Accession 16520, Pigeon pea Accession 16527 and Accession 16528 respectively. The design of the experiment was, RCBD with three replication. The result showed significant difference statistically, in terms of plant height, panicle length, and panicle diameter at 5% (table 1). The highest plant height was obtained from the treatment with sorghum intercropped with pigeon pea accession 16527 (tsegas variety). The result that obtained was statistically not significant in terms of grain yield (p < 0.01) among treatments (both sole and intercropped one). In (Table 1) was indicated that intercropping of pigeon pea Accessions had no negative significant effect on grain yields of sorghum. The maximum grain yields were obtained from T3 (sorghumX16527 pigeon pea accession); (2894) kg ha^-1), followed by T2 (16527 pigeon pea accession) (2856) kg ha^-1 respectively. The minimum grain yield obtained from sole sorghum (2339 kg ha^-1). The most probable reason for this variation could be due to leguminous nature of pigeon pea accessions that add nitrogen nutrients to the soil and affect sorghum positively. When observed graphically, there is mean yield difference. Both land equivalent ratio and relative total yield was calculated and the obtained result is about 1.22. So this intercropped experiment is advantageous. Partial budget analysis was conducted and the experiment is economically viable.

Residue decomposition dynamics in mixed ratios of two warm‐season cover crops

AbstractCover crop residue management has gained attention over the past few decades due to the potential of cover crop residues to provide soil cover and nutrient availability for subsequent crops. Nutrients released from cover crop residues depend on the nutrient composition of plant tissue and ensuing rates of mineralization. To evaluate the rate of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization from cover crops, a field decomposition experiment was conducted in a humid subtropical agricultural field. Residues of two warm‐season cover crops, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and sorghum sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor L. × S. bicolor var. Sudanese), were placed in litterbags at various mixture ratios on the soil surface to quantify the amount of N and C released from the residues over 56 d. Residue biomass decomposition followed decay patterns that were similar despite treatment mixtures of cover crop ratios. The initial ratio of cover crop material in the litter mixture influenced early N release where ratios with increasing sunn hemp increased N decomposition. The majority of residue breakdown (50–75%), and C (50–75%) and N (65–75%) decomposition occurred during the first 7 d for all the treatments. A minor fraction of residue remained (10–14%) at Day 56, with 10–14% C and 7–25% N. The 25% N remained in the sole sorghum sudangrass treatment. These results indicate that N from legume cover crops may not be available to subsequent crops in humid subtropical soils lacking the capacity to retain nutrients leached out of cover crop residue, though small fractions of dry matter may remain.

Evaluation of Early Maturing Sorghum and Cowpea Varieties Intercropping for Animal Nutritive Value and in vitro Dry Matter Digestibility in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The shortage of arable land and shortage of livestock feed are major constraints in East Hararghe Zone. Thus, a field study was conducted to evaluate an early maturing sorghum varieties and cowpea genotypes intercropping for both food and feed production at Fedis Agricultural Research Center, eastern Ethiopia in 2018 cropping season. Two cowpea genotypes(lines) (9333 and 9334) were intercropped with three varieties of early maturing sorghum (Teshale, Birhan and Melkam) and compared with sole cropping of all the varieties, which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analyzed result showed the NDF content was significantly different (p < 0.05) among intercropped and sole sorghum the maximum NDF was recorded from sole sorghum Teshale (69.56%) and the minimum sorghum Birhan + cowpea (9333)(57.75%) and the Intercropping sorghum improved the CP of sorghum stover mean from sole (5.31%) to intercropped (6.03%). the . Cropping systems and cowpea genotypes were significantly affected (p < 0.05) the content of CP and NDF. The maximum CP obtained from cowpea (9334) + sorghum Teshale 29.19%), and the minimum CP obtained from sole cowpea (9333) (24.38%).Generally, the results of this study showed that intercropping of sorghum-cowpea were increased the productivity of grain yields and biomass yields of sorghum varieties and it increased nutritional quality of cowpea and sorghum stover. Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that intercropping sorghum with forage cowpea; preferably sorghum Melkam + cowpea (9333) to be appropriate to increase quality of sorghum stover in the study area. Keywords: Chemical composition, Digestibility and Forage legumes DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/107-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2021

Planting System Effects on Intercropping of Gardenpea and Sorghum

The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Field, Joydebpur and RARS, Burirhat, Rangpur, BARI during Rabi season of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 to find out suitable combination of sorghum and gardenpea intercropping for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1 = Sorghum normal row (SNR) + 1 row gardenpea (GP), T2 = SNR + 2 rows GP, T3 = Sorghum paired row (SPR) + 2 rows GP, T4 = SPR + 3 rows GP, T5 = SPR + 4 rows GP, T6 = Sole sorghum (60 cm ´ 10 cm) and T7 = Sole GP (30 cm ´ 10 cm). Light availability on gardenpea decreased with the increase of shade produced by sorghum canopy over the time up to 60 DAS. The lowest light availability on gardenpea was observed in T2 treatment and the highest was observed in sole gardenpea (T7) followed by T3 treatment in both the years. The maximum grain yield of sorghum was observed in T6 and it was decreased (6-10% in 2018-2019 and 1-12% in 2019-2020) at Joydebpur and (5-11% in 2018-2019 and 6-14% in 2019-2020) at Burirhat. The highest sorghum equivalent yield (SEY) of 10.93 t ha-1 in 2018-2019 and 12.02 t ha-1 in 2019-2020 at Joydebpur and 12.06 t ha-1 in 2018-2019 and 11.77 t ha-1 in 2019-2020 at Burirhat and also the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.77 in 2018-2019 and 1.93 in 2019-2020 at Joydebpur and 1.79 in 2018-2019 and 1.81 in 2019-2020 at Burirhatwere observed in T5 treatment. The highest gross margin of Tk.146600 ha-1 in 2018-2019 and Tk.168400 ha-1 in 2019-2020 at Joydebpur and Tk. 169200 ha-1 in 2018-2019 and Tk.163400 ha-1 in 2019-2020 at Burirhat and also the benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 3.04 in 2018-2019 and 3.34 in 2019-2020 at Joydebpur and 3.35 in 2018-2019 and 3.27 in 2019-2020 at Burirhat were also found in the same treatment. The results revealed that sorghum paired row + 4 rows gardenpea might be agronomically feasible and economically profitable for sorghum + gardenpea intercropping system at Joydebpur and Burirhat region.&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2020, 23(2): 59-68

Enhancing root traits and quality of sorghum and guar through mixed cropping and nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal during 2018-19 to study the effect of mixed cropping and nutrient management on root traits, nutritional quality and yield of sorghum and guar fodder crops. Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with four seed rate combinations in different ratios of sorghum and guar along with six nutrient management treatments in three replications. Results showed that the root traits, viz. root length, volume and dry weight were higher under mixed cropping in comparison to sole crops however the difference was not significant, whereas the significant difference were observed in root traits under different nutrient management practices. Statistically higher green fodder yield was reported under sole sorghum but it was at par with 75% sorghum + 25% guar. Nutritionally enriched fodder with higher macro and micronutrients was also obtained under 75% sorghum + 25% guar treatment. Under mixed cropping nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status at crop harvest were higher in comparison to sole crops. Results pertaining to nutrient management practices revealed that higher supply of nutrients under 100% RDF, 100% RDF +PGPR, 100% RDF +seaweed extract and 75% RDF +seaweed extract treatments helped the crops to take up more nutrients besides leaving substantial balance in the soil at harvest. It was concluded that 75% sorghum + 25% guar mixed cropping with 75% RDF + seaweed extract was best combination to get higher and nutritionally enriched fodder and enriched soil at harvest.

Evaluation of Early Maturing Sorghum and Cowpea Varieties Intercropping for Animal Nutritive Value and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Digestibility in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The shortage of arable land and shortage of livestock feed specially quality feed resources are major constraints in East Hararghe Zone. Thus, a field study was conducted to evaluate an early maturing sorghum varieties and cowpea Lines intercropping for both food and feed production at Fedis Agricultural Research Center, eastern Ethiopia in 2018/19 cropping season. Two cowpea varieties (lines) (9333 and 9334) were intercropped with three varieties of early maturing sorghum (Teshale, Birhan and Melkam) and compared with sole cropping of all the varieties, which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analyzed result showed the NDF content was significantly different (p < 0.05) among intercropped and sole sorghum the maximum NDF was recorded from sole sorghum Teshale (69.56%) and the minimum sorghum Birhan + cowpea (9333) (57.75%) and the Intercropping sorghum improved the CP of sorghum stover mean from sole (5.31%) to intercropped (6.03%). the. Cropping systems and cowpea lines were significantly affected (p < 0.05) the content of CP and NDF. The maximum CP obtained from cowpea (9334) + sorghum Teshale 29.19%), and the minimum CP obtained from sole cowpea (9333) (24.38%). Generally, the results of this study showed that intercropping of sorghum-cowpea were increased nutritional quality of cowpea and sorghum stover. Based on the results of this study, it concluded that intercropping sorghum with forage cowpea; preferably sorghum Melkam + cowpea (9333) to be appropriate to increase quality of sorghum stover in the study area.

Effect on yield and soil fertility status of summer sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under sole crop and different inter cropping systems

A field experiment was carried out on clay soil during summer season of 2018 at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to evaluate the Performance of summer sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under sole crop and different intercropping systems in south Gujarat condition. Total nine treatments viz., T1 sole sorghum, T2 sole sorghum (Paired rows at 30-60 cm), T3 sole sorghum (Paired rows at 30-30-75 cm), T4 sole greengram, T5 sole blackgram, T6 sorghum + greengram (Paired 2:1), T7 sorghum + greengram (Paired 3:2), T8 sorghum + blackgram (Paired 2:1) and T9 sorghum + blackgram (Paired 3:2) were allocated in randomized block design with four replications. The soil of the experimental area was low in available nitrogen (185.26 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (31.88 kg ha-1) and potassium (390.41 kg ha-1), slightly alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. Results revealed that, sole sorghum (T1) recorded significant higher grain yield although it was remained at par with T2, T3 and T6. Among all the treatments, treatment T6 sorghum + greengram (Paired 2:1) recorded significantly higher SEY, which was at par with treatment T7 sorghum + greengram (Paired 3:2). Sorghum + greengram paired at 2:1 (T6) recorded maximum LER (1.31) followed by sorghum and greengram paired at 3:2 (T7), sorghum + blackgram paired at 2:1 (T8) and sorghum + blackgram paired at 3:2 (T9) with LER 1.28, 1.24 and 1.23, respectively.

Effect of intercropping on growth, yield and profitability of sorghum, pearl millet and cowpea

Green forage availability is very important to maintain livestock health and productivity and this is particularly essential in dairy entrepreneurship where consistent and regular supply of green fodder is imperative to sustain the milk production. Green herbage in addition to energy also provides vitamins, minerals with better dry matter digestibility (Surve et al., 2012). The field experiment was conducted at research farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar during kharif season of the year 2019 to study the effects of cereal fodder based cowpea intercropping. The soil of the experimental field was loamy in nature and medium in organic carbon (0.54 %), low in available nitrogen (172.84 kg/ha), available phosphorus (28.56 kg/ha) and available potassium (161.34 kg/ha) and neutral reaction. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) design consisting of 11 treatments viz. T1- sole sorghum, T2- sole pearl millet, T3- sole cowpea, T4- sorghum + cowpea (1:1), T5- sorghum + cowpea (1:2), T6- sorghum + cowpea (2:1), T7- sorghum + cowpea (2:2), T8- Pearlmillet + Cowpea (1:1), T9- Pearlmillet + Cowpea (1:2), T10- Pearlmillet + Cowpea (2:1) and T11- Pearlmillet + Cowpea (2:2) row ratio. Within various treatments of intercropping, it was found that intercropping of sorghum with cowpea (2:1 row ratio) had higher green fodder (490.0 qh-1) and dry fodder yield (103.3 qh-1), sorghum equivalent yield, net returns (Rs. 55,597 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (BC ratio) (2.30). Intercropping of sorghum and cowpea with 2:1 row ratio was found economically viable with higher green fodder yield and net returns.

Growth, Productivity and Profitability of Fodder Sorghum and Cluster Bean as Influenced by Mixed Cropping and Nutrient Management

Background: The year round green forage supply for better health and productivity of the animals can be ensured by mixed cropping of cereal and legume forages along with proper nutrient management. Keeping these facts in mind an experiment was carried out to analyse growth, productivity and profitability of fodder sorghum and clusterbean as influenced by mixed cropping and nutrient management. Methods: Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with four seed rate combinations of sorghum and clusterbean (S1 - sole sorghum, S2 - sole clusterbean, S3 - 75% sorghum + 25% clusterbean and S4 - 60% sorghum + 40% clusterbean) along with six nutrient management treatments (N1 - 100% RDF, N2 - 100% RDF + PGPR, N3 - 100% RDF + seaweed extract, N4 - 75% RDF + PGPR, N5 - 75% RDF + seaweed extract and N6 – 50% RDF + PGPR + seaweed extract) in three replications. The growth of crops was evaluated in terms of plant height, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, leaf stem ratio and stem girth which all together contributed towards the fodder yield. Results: In sorghum crop the growth was not statistically different between the treatments S1 and S3 but in clusterbean sole crop recorded higher growth yet the influence was not significant on all parameters. Among nutrient management N1, N2 and N3 treatments recorded higher growth and thus yield in both crops which was not statistically different from N5 treatment. The correlation study indicated that cumulative influence of these growth parameters resulted in higher green and dry fodder yield under sole crop. Whereas in mixed cropping S3 treatment recorded significantly at par fodder yield to S1. The evidence presented above shows that 75% sorghum + 25% clusterbean mixed cropping treatment with 75% RDF + seaweed extract served its purpose of fodder yield enhancement.

Forage yield and quality as affected by salt stress in different ratios of Sorghum bicolor-Bassia indica intercropping

Salinity tolerance is presumed to be improved in the intercropping system, however, there has been inadequate evidence to scientifically prove this. In the current study, the effect of salinity was examined on forage yield and quality of sorghum and kochia in an intercropping system with different planting ratios in a two-year field trial at Shiraz University. The treatments included three salinity levels of irrigation water; 2 (non-saline as a control), 7 and 14 dS m−1 in main plots and planting ratios; sole sorghum (SS), ⅔ sorghum-⅓ kochia (S2K1), ½ sorghum-½ kochia (SK), ⅓ sorghum-⅔ kochia (S1K2) and sole kochia in subplots. The results showed that salt stress decreased forage yield of both plants, especially of sorghum. Salt stress at 14 dS m−1 reduced fresh and dry weights by 44.9% and 62.4% in sorghum, and 38.7% and 23.3% in kochia, respectively. Salinity also reduced forage quality assessed in terms of crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). The optimum intercropping systems did not change forage yield, but it increased forage quality via reducing ash, ADF and NDF. The optimum planting ratio was S2K1 for both sorghum and kochia, while the SK ratio was suitable for kochia only. Under non-saline conditions, the sole crop cultivation was a better system, while under saline conditions intercropping with a low density of another plant led to higher dry and fresh weights, as well as lower ash, ADF and NDF for each plant. Since kochia performed as a dominant plant, sorghum growth was considerably suppressed under the high density of kochia (i.e., S1K2), especially at 14 dS m−1 salinity level, which might have been due to high salt tolerance of kochia. Based on the findings of the current study, it could be inferred that in regions with limited freshwater, optimum planting ratio (SK in general for both plants) in an intercropping system could improve the quality of forage with no significant reduction in forage quantity.

Ensuring nutritional security of animals by mixed cropping of sorghum and guar under varying nutrient management

An experiment was carried out to analyse productivity and quality of fodder sorghum and guar as influenced by nutrient management under mixed cropping and in kharif season of 2018 tested in factorial randomized complete block design with four seed rate combinations of sorghum and guar along with six nutrient management treatments in three replications. The productivity of crops was evaluated in terms of fodder yield and quality in form of dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, total carbohydrates, fibre fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL and hemicellulose), total digestible nutrients, dry matter intake and dry matter digestibility. Results revealed that total green fodder and dry matter yield was higher in sole sorghum but it was at par with 75% sorghum + 25% guar. Mixed cropping treatments performed better in comparison to sole crops for different quality parameters in both crops. Among nutrient management, treatments 100% RDF, 100% RDF+ PGPR and 100% RDF+ seaweed extract recorded higher fodder production as well as fodder quality in both crops which was not statistically different from75% RDF + seaweed extract treatment. The results revealed that seed rate of 75% sorghum + 25% guar in mixed cropping with the application of 75% RDF + seaweed extract produced higher quality fodder for animals.

Evaluation of kharif Forage Crops for Biomass Production and Nutritional Parameters in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif , 2017 at Research farm of Agronomy Section, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications. Among eight treatments two perennial forage crops NBH, guinea grass cultivated sole as well as intercropping with cowpea and four seasonal fodder crops (cowpea, sorghum, baby corn and maize) were tested. Experimental results showed that among the different fodder crops, the highest DM content was recorded in the intercropped guinea grass (25.1%) with cowpea in the 2:3 row ratio followed by sole guinea grass (24.9%) while lower in cowpea (16.9%). Protein, ether extract and total ash yield were statistically significant higher in the intercropping of NBH + cowpea (14.46 q/ha), (3.28 q/ha) and 13.07 q/ha, respectively). The higher ADF content was observed in the sorghum sole (41.6%), followed by guinea sole (40.1%) while, lower in sole maize (35.3%) and it was statistically significant from sole sorghum and guinea forage crops. The higher value of NDF was recorded in the sole guinea grass (71.16%) which was significantly higher over the other treatments. The ADL was found highest in the sole cowpea (8.68%).

Effect of Conjunctive Use of Inorganic and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Soil Quality Parameters, Key Indicators and Soil Quality Indices (SQIs) under Sorghum + Cowpea Intercropping System in Rainfed Vertisol Soils of Southern India

The present study was conducted at Kovilpatti Centre of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) to assess the impact of conjunctive nutrient management practices on soil quality parameters, to identify the key indicators of soil quality, to compute the soil quality indices (SQIs) and to identify the best conjunctive nutrient management practices from the view point of soil quality improvement in sorghum + cowpea intercropping (C1), sorghum sole cropping (C2) and cowpea sole cropping (C3) systems. The treatments were comprised of T1: control, T2: 100% N (inorganic), T3: 25 kg N (compost), T4: 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) and T5: 15 kg N (green leaf) + 20 kg N (inorganic). The results of the present study clearly indicated that the conjunctive nutrient treatments significantly influenced organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) contents of soil in all the three systems; the potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) were significantly influenced in the C2 and C3 cropping systems. The dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was significantly highest under T3 in sole sorghum system with highest value of 1.41 μg TPF ha−1 g−1 of soil, which was on par with T4. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was significantly influenced by sole cowpea and sole sorghum systems, with highest values of 125.1 and 114.0 μg g−1 of soil under T3, respectively. However, the labile carbon (LC) content was significantly influenced in all the three cropping systems, with the highest LC content of 338.3 (T3), 285.2 (T3) μg g−1 and 339.64 (T4) of soil under sorghum + cowpea, sole sorghum and sole cowpea systems, respectively. The mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD) was significantly influenced by the treatments in the sole sorghum system with the highest value of 0.50 mm with the T5 treatment. When all the cropping systems were viewed together, the final set of key soil quality indicators for these Vertisol soils emerged were: EC, OC, available P, available S, available Zn, LC, MBC and BD. From the view point of RSQI, the order of superiority of the conjunctive nutrient management treatments was: T3: 25 kg N (compost) (0.95)=T4: 15 kg N (compost) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (0.95) > T5: 15 kg N (green leaf) + 20 kg N (inorganic) (0.84) > T2: 100% N (inorganic) (0.73) > T1: control (0.55).

Assessing yield and feed quality of intercropped sorghum and soybean in different planting patterns and in different ecologies

This research was conducted in order to determine the effects of different intercropping patterns of sorghum with soybean on agronomic characters and forage yield in Bilecik and Kahramanmaras Turkey, in 2015 growing season. Experiments were planned as containing three intercropping patterns in alternate rows and pure stands for individual crops with three replications at two locations. As a result of the study, sorghum was determined as clearly dominant crop in producing high yield. Therefore, decreasing sorghum plant seeding rate in mixture caused a decrease in total yield. But soybean presence in forage induced a significant increase in protein content of forage. As a result, the land equivalent ratio with intercrops was higher as compared to pure plants, especially in intercropping systems in which sorghum plant density was not reduced more than 66% of sole sorghum.

Sorghum radiation use efficiency and biomass partitioning in intercrop systems

The objective of intercropping is to improve resource efficiencies for land, water and radiation. Few studies have focused on the interactive effects of water stress on radiation use efficiency (RUE) in an intercrop system. The study determines the effect of intercropping sorghum with either cowpea or bottle gourd on RUE and biomass accumulation in response to water stress. This was assessed using a split-plot design with crop sequences sole sorghum, sole cowpea, and sole bottle gourd and intercrop systems sorghum–cowpea and sorghum–bottle gourd assigned as sub-plots arranged in randomised complete blocks within main plots, water regimes: full irrigation, deficit irrigation and rainfed. We quantified specific leaf area, leaf area index as well as biomass accumulation and partitioning. Extinction coefficient, intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (IPAR) and RUE for biomass (RUEb) and grain (RUEg) were also determined. Under rainfed conditions, intercropping with either cowpea (26%) or bottle gourd (62%) improved sorghum leaf area. A reduction in specific leaf area was observed for sorghum when it was intercropped with either cowpea (−20%) or bottle gourd (−19%). Under full irrigation, sorghum stems constituted a larger proportion (62%) of final biomass in comparison to sorghum under deficit irrigation (52%) and rainfed conditions (50%). Intercropping sorghum with either cowpea or bottle gourd improved IPAR (38%), RUEb (93%) and RUEg (11%) under rainfed conditions. This study showed that under water-limited conditions intercropping reduced sorghum stem mass and increased canopy size, radiation interception, and grain yield and improved RUE. In agreement with our proposition, water availability was closely associated with radiation use efficiency. Intercropping can be recommended for semi-arid environments since it improves RUE and sorghum biomass and grain yield.

Canopy Development of Annual Legumes and Forage Sorghum Intercrops and Its Relation to Dry Matter Accumulation

Core Ideas Canopy and light interception characteristics of forage sorghum and sorghum‐legume systems were evaluated.Intercropping with sorghum increased canopy coverage and light interception early in the growing season.Intercropping legumes with forage sorghum increased LAI compared with sole forage sorghum.LAI was an accurate growth predictor of light interception in sole sorghum and all sorghum‐legume systems. Livestock production is an important agro‐industry in many semiarid regions of the world including the southern High Plains, USA. Therefore, objectives of this study were to understand how canopy development and light interception patterns impact biomass yield of several legume species when intercropped with forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown under irrigation. Field studies were conducted at Tucumcari and Clovis, NM in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Five annual legumes [cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), lablab (Lablab purpureus L.), and pole bean (P. vulgaris L.)] were intercropped between two rows of sorghum spaced at 0.75 m and compared with sole sorghum under irrigation. Intercropping legumes with sorghum increased leaf area index (LAI) compared with sorghum alone, at both locations. Intercropping legumes with sorghum resulted in faster canopy coverage and greater light interception early in the growing season compared with sorghum alone. Lablab, cowpea, lima bean, and pole bean were promising legumes to improve light interception when intercropping with sorghum. The LAI was an accurate growth predictor of light interception in all intercropping systems and sorghum alone (R2 &gt; 0.94). Overall, optimum LAI (90% light interception) was lower in all intercropping systems compared with sorghum alone. Dry matter accumulation had strong correlations with LAI and light interception at both locations before canopy closure (58 d after planting). Overall, intercropping legumes in forage sorghum benefits producers by providing protein to livestock and reduces the need to purchase dietary supplements in their traditional livestock production systems.

Determination of Plant Density on Yield of Sorghum Intercropping with Haricot Bean at Fadis and Babile

Haricot bean is a principal food crop particularly in Southern and Eastern part of Ethiopia, where it is widely intercropped with maize and sorghum, respectively, to supplement farmer’s income (EPPA, 2004). This experiment was handling the appropriate seeding rate on yield of sorghum and haricot bean grown with intercropping system at Eastern Hararghe areas. This activity was done at two locations, Babile and Fadis in RCBD design. The research result showed that, there was significance difference among treatments. treatment (25cmsorghum*30cmharicotbean) and (30cmsorghum and 30cmharicotbean) have more yield when compared to the other both in terms of yield and land equivalent ratio .Even though the sole sorghum yield per hectare were relatively looks like high, the cumulative yield of intercropping yield were higher than the sole sorghum. At both location (Fadis and Erer) the data obtained were similar. This indicates that similar recommendation for the two locations.

The Influence of Intercropping Sorghum with Legumes for Managementand Control of Striga in Sorghum at Assosa Zone, Benshangul GumuzRegion, Western Ethiopia, East Africa

Sorghum is an important cereal crop and occupies third place in production after Maize and Tef in Ethiopia. Striga hermonthica reduces sorghum yields by competing for water, nutrients, space, light and photosynthates with the host plants. Information on the influence of intercropping sorghum with legumes for management and control of striga in sorghum in the Assosa Zone is scanty. On farm experiments were they are conducted at three locations, for three years, to investigate the effect of eleven treatments (Intercrop ground nut with Sorghum 1:1 and Simultaneous planting, Intercrop ground nut with sorghum 1:1 and Relay planting, Intercrop ground nut with Sorghum 2:1 and Simultaneous planting, Intercrop ground nut with Sorghum 2:1 and Relay planting, Intercrop soybean with sorghum 1:1 and Simultaneous planting, Intercrop soybean with sorghum 1:1 and Relay planting, Intercrop soybean with sorghum 2:1 and Simultaneous planting, Intercrop soybean with sorghum 2:1 and Relay planting, Sole soybean, Sole Sorghum and Sole Ground nut.) and was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replication. Significant influence on the grain yield of sorghum due to treatment application was recorded. During the all season, the sorghum/legume intercrop had the highest sorghum yield. The sorghum/Ground nut intercrop out yielded than the sorghum/soybean intercrop at all growing season. The gross income and Land equivalent ratio indicates greater economic benefit with this intercropping groundnut in 1:1 proportion and simultaneous planting than sole planting. As a result, intercropping groundnut in 1:1 proportion and simultaneous planting for the control striga is essential, ideal and useful to small-scale farmers, in order to achieve sustainable crop production.

Evaluation of cropping activities in the Adarsha watershed project, southern India

Baseline data and data taken both during and after a watershed development program, recording cropping activities in a semi-arid watershed in Telangana, India, were analyzed. Watershed development contributed to the sustainable yield improvement of dryland crops by rehabilitating the productive capacity of the land through water and soil conservation techniques. On the basis of long-term data collected from farm households in the watershed, we explored ways to increase crop productivity and sustainability. Investment in soil and water conservation significantly impacted agricultural development, most particularly during droughts. Farmers realized returns to land amounting to US $720 ha−1 from cotton, $295 ha−1 from flowers, $287 ha−1 from vegetables and $171 ha−1 from cereals. Mean returns to labour, irrespective of crop strategies, was $10 per person-day. Irrigation facilities in the watershed encouraged the growing of water-intensive crops but dryland crops were also more profitable as various in-situ and ex-situ interventions increased soil-moisture, providing congenial conditions for them. The responses were best during the watershed intervention period: yields of maize intercropped with pigeonpea were increased by 148 %, pigeonpea 100 %, sole sorghum 91 % and cotton 76.2 %. While droughts reduced the average share of household crop income in the non-watershed area from 44 to 12 %, this share remained unchanged at about 36 % in the watershed area. We deduce that watershed interventions have a positive influence on building resilient crop production.

Performance of sorghum based intercropping systems under dry sowing and normal sowing conditions

A field experiment was conducted at the Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad on medium black clayey soil during Kharif 2011 to study the performance of sorghum based intercropping systems under dry and normal sowing conditions. Significantly higher plant height (188.3 cm), LAI (3.21), LAD (60.06 days) and total dry matter production (182.18 g) were recorded at harvest of sorghum in dry sowing as compared to normal sowing of sorghum. Similarly, plant height (46.6 cm), LAI (2.38) and total dry matter production (11.73 g) were higher at harvest of legumes in dry sowing as compared to normal sowing of legumes. However, sole sorghum recorded significantly higher LAI (3.41), LAD (60.26 days) and total dry matter production (184.93 g) at harvest which was at par with sorghum intercropped with soybean. Dry sowing enhanced yield of sorghum and legumes by 16.8 and 19.95 per cent, respectively (51.85 q ha -1 and 12.74 q ha -1 grain yield of sorghum and legumes, respectively) over normal sowing of sorghum (43.14 q ha -1 ) and legumes (10.30 q ha -1 ). However, sole crop of sorghum recorded significantly higher grain yield (52.48 q ha -1 ) and stover yield (14.91 t ha -1 ) and it was at par with sorghum intercropped with soybean (48.38 q ha -1 and 12.51 t ha -1 , grain and stover yield, respectively).