Sorghum Cultivation Research Articles

Understanding the Sorghum-growing Soils in a Semi-arid Ecosystem of Telangana, India and Assessing their Land Suitability for Sorghum Cultivation

Background: Sorghum (Jowar), a nutritionally rich, great millet is frequently cultivated in semi-arid tracts of India but at places without considering the suitable soil-sites, which result in lower productivity. Thus, understanding of sorghum-growing pedo-environment vis-à-vis crop requirements is a pre-requisite for soil-site evaluation of crop and hence present case study was carried out in Mahabubnagar rural mandal of Mahabubnagar district, Telangana state. Methods: The detailed soil survey (1:10000 scale) of Mahabubnagar Rural mandal (Mahabubnagar district), Telangana was carried out using Sentinel 2 satellite data and mapped with 66 mapping units. These mapping units along with relevant physical and chemical properties were evaluated for their suitability for sorghum farming. Result: Our results indicated that major sorghum-growing soils of Mahabubnagar Rural mandal have been grouped as Typic Rhodustalfs, Aquic Haplustalfs, and Typic Haplusterts at the sub group level. Out of the 18-soil series, major sorghum-growing soils belong to Telugugudam, Kotakadira and Potanpalle series occupying 7.56 % of the geographical area. The soil-site evaluation study indicated that the maximum area (33.99 per cent) was rated as marginally suitable with limitations of gravelliness, nutrient availability, rooting conditions, and texture while 1.51 per cent area was highly suitable for sorghum cultivation.

Evaluation of the Impact of Recycled Distillery Effluent on the Cultivation of Wheat and Sorghum

With increasing global water scarcity, the reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation offers a promising solution, particularly in arid regions. This study evaluates the impact of distillery wastewater from Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. (KKL) on the growth of wheat and sorghum in the Kinmen region. The field experiment applied varying proportions of KKL wastewater to assess its effects on soil properties, nutrient distribution, and crop performance. The results showed that wastewater irrigation increased soil concentrations of key nutrients, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P), but also raised the electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) beyond acceptable irrigation standards. K, Mg, Ca, and P primarily accumulated in the stems and grains, while Na was concentrated in the roots. However, higher wastewater concentrations negatively affected soil permeability due to Na accumulation, and elevated salinity levels led to reduced plant biomass. This study concludes that although wastewater irrigation improves nutrient availability, careful management is essential to mitigate salinity risks and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential of wastewater reuse in water-scarce regions and provide practical recommendations for managing associated risks.

Growth Trends and Productivity Drivers in Sorghum Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Ajmer District and Rajasthan State (2001-2021), India

Growth Trends and Productivity Drivers in Sorghum Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Ajmer District and Rajasthan State (2001-2021), India

Potential, economic and ecological benefits of sweet sorghum bio-industry in China

BackgroundSweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) displays an excellent potential to serve as a non-food bioenergy feedstock for bioethanol production in China due to its high potential yield on marginal lands. However, few studies have been conducted on the potential of sweet sorghum yield and appropriate industrial models in different marginal regions in China. This study explored the spatial distribution of potential sweet sorghum production using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model and proposed three typical industrial models of sweet sorghum industry to calculate their economic and ecological benefits.ResultsThe results indicate that considering the factors of land use, annual precipitation, soil salinity, soil pH, and accumulated temperature, approximately 32.23 million ha of marginal land are suitable for sweet sorghum cultivation in China, and 130 million tonnes (t) of ethanol can be produced. Further, the development of the sweet sorghum industry under the three models can generate 1425.49 billion CNY potential, approximately accounting for 3.57% of industrial added value in China if measured against 2023 levels, and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.68 million t.ConclusionsThis study provides an innovative perspective for the multi-industry large-scale promotion of sweet sorghum in different marginal lands based on the high spatial resolution Geographic Information System (GIS) data by the DSSAT model with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, and this applies not only to China but also to the worldwide and other types of energy plants.

Selecting an optimal sorghum cultivar can improve nitrogen availability and wheat yield in crop rotation.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a cereal crop known for its biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) capacity, a plant-mediated activity limiting nitrification pathway. The use of BNI-producing plants represents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to reduce nitrogen (N) losses, such as nitrate (NO3 -) leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) gas emissions. The present study aimed to test the effectiveness of different S. bicolor cultivars in rotation to retain ammonium (NH4 +) in soils and promote N availability for the subsequent wheat crop. A two-year field rotation was established with four sorghum cultivars followed by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Urea alone or combined with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide was applied to promote a NH4 +-based fertilization regimes. AddingN-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide maintained higher soil NH4 + content and reduced ammonia-oxidizing bacteria population during sorghum cultivation. However, the benefits of the inhibitor on sorghum growth were cultivar-dependent. Notably, the further reduction in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria abundance for sorghum Voyenn and the increased soil NH4 + content for Vilomene suggested a BNI potential for these cultivars. Importantly, the Vilomene precedent enhanced wheat yield for both fertilization regimes. Overall, the present study confirms that sorghum is a suitable catch crop and emphasizes the importance of selecting the proper sorghum cultivar to maximize the yield of the target wheat crop, at the same time as minimizing N losses. Furthermore, developing combined strategies with selected sorghum cultivars and the application of urease inhibitors enables to enhance sorghum productivity as forage, achieving added value to the rotation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Bacteria as potential biocontrol agents for managing purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica) in grain sorghum

Abstract Purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth.], a highly destructive parasitic weed, poses a significant threat to sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivation. This hemiparasitic plant intrudes its root system into the host plant, leading to substantial yield losses, particularly in susceptible genotypes. In the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions, the biocontrol approach has gained attention as a potential management strategy for Striga. In this study, 13 bacterial strains belonging to the genera Bacillus, Gluconobacter, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces were investigated in vitro for their efficiency in controlling the early-stage development of Striga. Among the tested strains, Streptomyces morookaensis NRRL B-12429 demonstrated significant inhibition of Striga seed germination and radicle elongation at 54.36% and 61.84%, respectively, when applied to preconditioned seeds with a synthetic germination stimulant. The effect of S. morookaensis on the inhibition of Striga seed germination was more pronounced in the presence of the host plant, sorghum, at 62.35%. However, biopriming of sorghum seeds with S. morookaensis did not enhance the inhibitory effects on Striga seed germination but resulted in a greater reduction in radicle elongation at 74.64% compared with non-primed seeds. Additionally, the biopriming with S. morookaensis promoted the growth of shoots and roots of germinating sorghum, regardless of the presence of Striga seeds. These findings highlight the potential of S. morookaensis strain NRRL B-12429 as a viable candidate for biocontrol agent applications in sorghum cultivation. Further exploration and investigation of its biocontrol capabilities can provide valuable insights for sustainable management practices against Striga infestations.

Antioxidant activity and identification by HPLC-DAD-MS of 3-deoxyanthocyanins in the husks of Sorghum caudatum (L.) Moench grains from Burkina Faso

As indicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the resurgence of chronic diseases is projected to account for 70 % of deaths and 56 % of illnesses globally by 2030. In response, authorities are allocating resources towards prevention through the use of substances with natural or synthetic antioxidant properties. However, the safety of synthetic antioxidants is constrained by the limited number of molecules they can be derived from and the necessity for intricate and costly testing to substantiate their safety. In light of this, the scientific community has set itself the objective of identifying new potential sources of natural antioxidants with the more effective capacity in prevetion of these chronic diseases. Anthocyanins, particularly 3-deoxyanthocyanins are cited as one antioxidant molecules with preventive efficacy. The objective of this study is to contribute to the discovery of new sources of 3-deoxyanthocyanins. In order to achieve this objective, a concentrated extract of 3-deoxyanthocyanins was first prepared by maceration of the husks of Sorghum caudatum grains in acidified ethanol, followed by precipitation in acidified distilled water.The Folin-Ciocalteu and differential pH methods were then employed to determine the total phenolic compound content and the total 3-deoxyanthocyanin content of the extract, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated by determining its free radical scavenging activity using the ABTS method, its reducing power of ferric ions using the FRAP method, and the percentage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging. Using physico-chemical and physical methods (PC, HPLC, UV–vis and MS), the 3-deoxyanthocyanins present in the extract from the husks of Sorghum caudatum grains were identified. The results of these analyses demonstrated that the total phenolic compound content was 237.73 ± 2.12 mg GAE/g extract, while the 3-deoxyanthocyanin content was 99.33 ± 4.16 mg EApi/g extract and 110.05 ± 4.33 mg ELt/g extract. The extract demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, with an CI50 of 62.59 µg/mL as determined by the ABTS method, a content of 77.35 ± 0.17 mg TE /g extract as quantified by the FRAP method, and an H2O2 scavenging percentage of approximately 72.29 %. The extract was found to contain five distinct compounds, namely luteolinidin, 7-O-methylluteolinidin, 5-O-methylluteolinidin, apigeninidin and 7-O-methylapigeninidin. The grain husks of Sorghum caudatum represent a novel source of 3-deoxyanthocyanins. Consequently, they offer a promising avenue for the extraction of natural antioxidants, natural colouring agents and nutraceuticals for the food industry, thereby enhancing the economic value of agricultural waste and augmenting the profitability of Sorghum cultivation.

The Biology, Epidemiology, Host Variability and Management of Sorghum Smut Diseases in Nigeria: A Review

Sorghum Smut diseases in Nigeria are widely circulated and are economically important in most of the regions of the country growing Sorghum. Perhaps, all the four types of smut can co-exist on the same field and are co-extensive with sorghum cultivation. The four smut diseases are incited by four species belonging to two genera of the order ustilaginales, namely; Sporisorium or Sphacelotheca and Tolyposporium. The distribution of the four smut diseases depend on several interacting factors of epidemiology and pathogenesis. It has been reported that all the four species that causes smuts in sorghum have narrow host range. As a consequence therefore, they do not vary remarkably in their biology and pathogenesis. However, their severity, distribution and prevalence depend on the environmental conditions, seasons and variety of sorghum. Several control as well as management strategies have been suggested by workers for the prevention and control of sorghum smuts including the pre-sowing seed treatment using fungicides, the use of resistant plant variety and modification of cultural and handling practices. However, only few of these measures have been found suitable and promising. Moreover, there is scarce of scientific information on the incidence of sorghum smuts probably because they were thought to have been eradicated or that they are economically less important in most sorghum growing areas in Nigeria. But with the current climatic changes coupled with the negligence from the poor resource sorghum farmers, sorghum smut diseases are re-emerging with high threshold as such they are becoming very important in Nigeria’s sorghum growing regions. This paper reviews the epidemiology, biology and variability of smut pathogens and their possible control strategies.

Salt stress alters root meristem definition, vascular differentiation and metabolome in Sorghum bicolor (L.) genotypes

Knowledge on salt tolerance requires further investigation, particularly in plants of agro-food interest. Sorghum is a potentially useful plant because it is a emerging food species that combines high levels of salt tolerance with interesting nutritional characteristics. In sorghum different genotypes respond differently to saline stress and the early events characterizing the salt stress tolerance are not yet fully understood. Moreover, the number of salt resistant genotypes needs to be extended. The genotypes Bianca and Tonkawa are two possible candidates for extending sorghum cultivation to soils characterized by high levels of salinity. The root is the first organ that responds to soil conditions, especially during the initial stages of plant developmental. The research aim was to analyse the root system responses to salt stress (NaCl) of Bianca and Tonkawa genotypes to identify the morpho-functional and metabolic changes that occur during the initial stages of the root system development and to use them as discriminating parameters for assessing the different plant’s susceptibility to the salt. The results showed that salt stress negatively affected many morphological and cyto-histological root parameters, from seed germination to root system establishment. The salt altered the root meristem organization and quiescent centre (QC) definition, but similarly in both genotypes. By contrast, it reduced primary root (PR) length and induced a more extended oxidative stress in the adventitious roots (ARs) and lateral root primordia (LRPs) of Tonkawa in comparison with Bianca. The stele area and the number of protoxylem and phloem elements in the ARs were more reduced in 150 mM NaCl-treated Tonkawa seedlings in comparison with those of Bianca. Moreover, the salt enhanced lignin deposition in protoxylem, early metaxylem and endodermis and changed the root metabolic profiles significantly increasing the levels of leucine, isoleucine, alanine, proline, trigonelline, allantoin and glutamine in Bianca compared to Tonkawa. Altogether, specific morpho-anatomical and metabolic differences between the genotypes were identified as discriminating markers of genotype salt susceptibility.

Phytomanagement of a metal-contaminated agricultural soil with Sorghum bicolor, humic / fulvic acids and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi near the former Pb/Zn metaleurop Nord smelter

As many contaminated agricultural soils can no longer be used for food crops, lignocellulosic energy crops matter due to their ability to grow on such soils and to produce biomass for biosourced materials and biofuels, thereby reducing the pressure on the limited arable lands. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, can potentially produce a high biomass suitable for producing bioethanol, renewable gasoline, diesel, and sustainable aircraft fuel, despite adverse environmental conditions (e.g. drought, contaminated soils). A 2-year field trial was carried out for the first time in the northern France for assessing sorghum growth on a Cd, Pb and Zn-contaminated agricultural soil amended with humic/fulvic acid, alone and paired with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Sorghum produced on average (in t DW ha−1): 12.4 in year 1 despite experiencing a severe drought season and 15.3 in year 2. Humic/fulvic acids (Lonite 80SP®) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi did not significantly act as biostimulants regarding the shoot DW yield and metal uptake of sorghum. The annual shoot Cd, Pb and Zn removals averaged 0.14, 0.20 and 1.97 kg ha−1, respectively. Sorghum cultivation and its metal uptake induced a significant decrease in 0.01 M Ca(NO3)2-extractable soil Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations by 95%, 73% and 95%, respectively, in year 2. Soluble and exchangeable soil Cd, Pb and Zn would be progressively depleted in subsequent crops, which should result in lower pollutant linkages and enhanced ecosystem services. This evidenced sorghum as a relevant plant species for phytomanaging the large area (750 ha) with metal-contaminated soil near the former Pb/Zn Metaleurop Nord smelter, amidst ongoing climate change. The potential bioethanol yield of the harvested sorghum biomass was 5589 L ha−1. Thus sorghum would be a promising candidate for bioethanol production, even in this northern French region.

Characteristics and potential of tidal swamplands for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivation

Abstract The characterization and potential of tidal swamps as a source of sorghum crop production (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moech), is the first research conducted in tidal lands, considering that so far sorghum has been widely planted in dry land. Aims to identify the biophysical character of the land, and multiply the potential, and technology of sorghum cultivation in tidal lands. Conducted in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, from August 2022 - April 2023. Land suitability analysis refers to 1:250,000 scale maps, 1:50,000 scale soil type maps, and soil analysis as the basis for determining technological inputs for successful site-specific sorghum cultivation. The results showed the biophysical character of tidal land with pH <5, has low nutrient content, imperfect water management, and proven to have good potential for sorghum growth. The application of dolomite as much as 1000 kg/ha and manure 5000 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha urea, 100 kg/ha SP-36, and 50 kg/ha KCL according to the results of soil analysis, proved that sorghum can produce 3.07 t/ha in tidal land, and almost the same as production in a dry land.

Diversity of Pest Types and Natural Enemies in Plantations Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L)

The types of pests that attack sorghum plants are very diverse, ranging from the germination phase to harvest. This is the main obstacle in efforts to increase sorghum production. These pests have different behaviors, morphologies, and ecobiologies. The aim of this research is to identify all types of pests and natural enemies that disturb sorghum plants. This research was conducted on sorghum farming land in Pantai Gemi village, Stabat subdistrict, Langkat district, Medan, from March to July 2022. Morphological identification was carried out using the sweeping net method, yellow sticky traps, and pitfall traps. The results of the research showed that there were 126 weaver ants. (Oecophlla Smaragdina ), 83 black ants ( Dolichoderus thoracicus ), and some of the pests that were caught and the least were 14 seed flies ( Atrigona soccata ) and 12 dragonflies ( Trithemis arteriosa). is the type of pest that most often attacks sorghum plants. By identifying pests and natural enemies, it is hoped that we can control pests effectively and integratedly in sorghum cultivation.

Studies on Creation of Operational Range of Soil Fertility to Evolve Fertilizer Prescription Equations under Soil Test Crop Response Correlation Studies on Rainfed Bt Cotton

To derive fertilizer prescription equations for rainfed Bt cotton within the framework of Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) studies, a meticulously designed gradient experiment was executed at the esteemed Cotton Research Station located in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Employing a targeted yield methodology, the investigation centered on the cultivation of fodder sorghum as the exhaustive crop during the kharif season. Adhering to an inductive-cum-yield target approach, the experimental plot was meticulously partitioned into three equitably-sized strips, each delineating a distinct fertility gradient. These gradients were meticulously established through the application of varying fertilizer regimes: N0P0K0, N1P1K1, and N2P2K2. Notably, the recommended fertilizer regimen (N1P1K1) encompassed precise quantities of essential nutrients, specifically 60 kg ha-1 of nitrogen (N), 345 kg ha-1 of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and 96 kg ha-1 of potassium oxide (K2O). Fodder sorghum emerged as the strategic choice for the exhaustive crop, strategically cultivated to expedite the transformation of applied fertilizers within the soil matrix, leveraging both plant and microbial processes. The overarching objective of this methodological approach was to establish a discernible operational range of soil fertility across the designated fertility strips. This was meticulously evaluated through meticulous analyses of variations in fodder yield uptake and pertinent soil test values.

Optimizing Bioethanol (C2H5OH) Yield of Sweet Sorghum Varieties in a Semi-Arid Environment: The Impact of Deheading and Deficit Irrigation

Bioethanol production offers promise in mitigating environmental impacts from ethanol consumption despite water scarcity. This study endeavors to evaluate the nuanced influence of different deheading times (45 days before harvest, 21 days before harvest, and no deheading) along with varying water regimes on select sweet sorghum cultivars (Honey, Willy, MN1500, and Atlas), focusing on yield traits, theoretical ethanol production, and water productivity. Findings underscore the substantial impact of cultivation practices on bioethanol yield. A water deficit ranging from 30% to 70% resulted in a discernible reduction in stalk yields of 17.86% to 18.54% and in sugar yields of 0.2 to 0.31 Mg ha−1, accompanied by a corresponding decline in theoretical ethanol yield of 120.9 to 180.9 L ha−1. Additionally, notable enhancements in Brix and sugar content of 16.32% to 18.42% and 16.81% to 19.03%, respectively, were observed across both seasons. Of particular significance, the Honey variety, subjected to a 30% water deficit and deheading at 21 days before harvest, demonstrated exceptional growth and yield characteristics. These empirical insights furnish valuable guidance for optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation practices, thereby augmenting sustainable bioethanol production and propelling forward the frontier of renewable energy technologies towards a more environmentally sustainable future.

Effects of probiotic on growth and production of brown midrib sorghum mutant line (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in ultisol

This study aims to observe the efficiency of probiotic inoculants on growth, soil fertility, and production of brown midrib (BMR) sorghum mutant lines. The experimental using a Randomized Block Design of four treatments and four blocks, P0: manure + (N, K, 0% P) + probiotic; P1: manure + (N, K, 50% P) + probiotic; P2: manure + (N, K, 75% P) + probiotic; P3: manure + (N, K, 100% P) without a probiotic (control). The dose of cow manure fertilizer is 10 tons/ha, and the doses of N, P, and K fertilizers are 120 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha, and 60 kg/ha, respectively, from urea, triple superphosphate (TSP), and potassium chloride (KCl). Parameters observed were plant morphology, biomass production, nutrient and fiber fraction content, and soil fertility. The treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on stem diameter, leaf length, and width, soil pH, fresh and DM production, the number of leaves, plant height, stem:leaf: panicle ratio, colony PSB, soil P-available, fiber and nutrient fractions of sorghum whole plant. The conclusion is that applying probiotics with lower phosphate fertilizer in sorghum cultivation produces growth, forage production, nutrition and fiber fraction content, and P-available and colony PSB, like 100% P fertilizer application. Probiotic bacteria could be applied as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and reduce the application of P fertilizer on BMR sorghum in ultisol.

Post-synthetic modification of nano-chitosan using gibberellic acid: Foliar application on sorghum under salt stress conditions and estimation of biochemical parameters

The challenge of desert farming with a high salt level has become an ecological task due to salt stress negatively affecting plant growth and reproduction. The current study deals with the cultivation of sorghum under salt stress conditions to counteract the effect of chitosan and gibberellic acid (GA3). Here, the effects of chitosan, GA3 and nano-composite (GA3@chitosan) on biochemical contents, growth and seed yield of sorghum under salinity stress conditions were studied. The results showed that spraying with GA3@chitosan increased sorghum grain yield by 2.07, 1.81 and 1.64 fold higher than salinity stressed plants, chitosan treatment and GA3 treatment, respectively. Additionally, compared to the control of the same variety, the GA3@chitosan spraying treatment improved the concentration of microelements in the grains of the Shandweel-1 and Dorado by 24.51% and 18.39%, respectively for each variety. Furthermore, spraying GA3@chitosan on sorghum varieties increased the accumulation of the macroelements N, P, and K by 34.03%, 47.61%, and 8.67% higher than salt-stressed plants, respectively. On the other hand, the proline and glycinebetaine content in sorghum leaves sprayed with nano-composite were drop by 51.04% and 11.98% less than stressed plants, respectively. The results showed that, in Ras Sudr, the Shandweel-1 variety produced more grain per feddan than the Dorado variety. These findings suggest that GA3@chitosan improves the chemical and biochemical components leading to a decrease in the negative effect of salt stress on the plant which reflects in the high-yield production of cultivated sorghum plants in salt conditions.

Sustainable approach for seed stimulating and sowing date to enhance field emergence and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Sorghum cultivation is often accompanied by low field emergence rates and weak seedlings, which may be due to genetic or environmental stress. A factorial experiment was conducted in the spring and fall seasons of 2022 using a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement and four replications. Planting dates (spring season: Feb. 15th, Mar. 1st, 15th, and Apr. 1st, 15th; fall season: Jun. 15th, Jul. 1st, 15th, and Aug. 1st, 15th) were allocated to the main plots. Seeds stimulation treatments (35% banana peel extract + 100 mg L−1 citric acid and distilled water soaking treatment only) were allocated to the subplots. The interaction treatment (banana peel extract + citric acid) with the planting date of April 15 showed the highest field emergence (74.2%), 75% flowering (86.0 day), plant height (163.9 cm), and days to physiological and complete maturity (111.0 and 131.0 day), respectively. The banana peel extract + citric acid soaking treatment with the planting date of July 1st showed the highest field emergence (91.3%), plant height (185.1 cm), leaf area index (7.6), and dry weight per plant (398.8 g). It can be concluded that the seeds primed with banana peel extract + citric acid before planting improved growth characteristics and could be a solution to environmental challenges, which also promote the concept of sustainable agriculture. It can be recommended seeds soaking with a combination of banana peel extract and citric acid to enhance emergence and growth when planting in April 15th for the spring season and July 1st for the fall season.

Onset of Rainfall and Cumulative Analysis for Sorghum Cultivation in Baringo County

Sorghum is an essential food security crop in the majority of the ASALs regions, such as Baringo County. This study investigated the critical relationship between rainfall levels and the initiation of sorghum planting, with the aim of identifying the threshold at which rainfall is considered sufficient for germination and optimal growth. This study used historical meteorological data from 1990 to 2022, field experiments, statistical analysis, and sorghum growth patterns to discern the trigger points for planting, which are essential for ensuring successful cultivation. This study uncovered alterations in rainfall onset and seasonal rainfall accumulation. The planting window in Baringo County varied significantly, with some dates falling above and below the average onset values of April 4<sup>th</sup> for the long rainfall season and September 24<sup>th</sup> for the short rainfall season. A short rainy season is not ideal for sorghum planting, as it typically receives less than 300 mm of rainfall, which is insufficient for sorghum production. The optimal planting time for sorghum is usually late March and early April. The study found that 36.4% of the long rainy season years had high production, 42.4% had normal production, and only 21% had low or no productivity. The years 2000 and 2018 experienced minimum and maximum rainfall amounts of 198.45 mm and 941.9 mm, respectively.

Effects of Biochar and Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Soil Physical Quality and Productivity Index Under Sorghum Cultivation Irrigated with Saline Water

ABSTRACT Amending soil with different materials is gaining acceptance as an effective and inexpensive technique for reclamation of salt-affected soils. The main idea of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar, compost of municipal solid waste and different water salinities level on soil physical quality (SDexter) and soil productivity index (SPI). The treatments were as followed: Control: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with tap water, S1: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), S2: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1), B: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with tap water, B+S1: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), B+S2: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1), C: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with tap water, C+S1: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), C+S2: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1). Soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), Field capacity (FC), Plant wilting point (PWP), Plant available water (PAW), Dexter’s index of soil physical quality (SDexter) and SPI were examined in a greenhouse experiment. The SPI was calculated by integrating the effects of six soil quality indices: plant available water, organic matter (OM), Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, Bulk density (BD) and Root weighting factor (RF) for all treatments were calculated. The results showed that the B treatment had a slightly higher effect on SWCC. The applied B and C treatments caused insignificant increase in PAW relative to the control. In addition, application of biochar or compost to soil significantly increased the SDexter. The application of C treatment had insignificantly higher value of SDexter compared to other treatments. Compared with the control, SPI was significantly higher for the B and C treatments. Overall, the application of biochar/compost minimized the destructive effects of saline irrigation water and improved the quality of the salt-affected fine-textured soil.

Feasibility Analysis of Sorgum Farming in Patihan Village, Babat District, Lamongan District, East Java Province

Indonesia's current food position still depends on rice. This is related to the level of food security. To support food security, this can be done by promoting the cultivation of sorghum. Sorghum can be a rice substitute product. Sorghum has long been cultivated in Indonesia, and there are several areas where it is planted, namely Patihan Village, Tripe District, Lamongan Regency. In 2016-2017, there was an increase in sorghum productivity in Patihan Village by 7 tonnes/ha. But in 2018-2020 there was a decrease in sorghum productivity which reached 0 tons/ha. The decline in sorghum productivity can affect farmers' income. The decline in the level of productivity of sorghum is inseparable from the existence of problems. The purpose of this research is to analyze the feasibility of sorghum farming in Patihan Village, Tripe District, Lamongan Regency, and to analyze the problems in sorghum farming. The analytical method used is the R/C Ratio and qualitative descriptive. The results showed that the R/C Ratio value was 0.26, meaning that sorghum farming in Patihan Village, Babat District, Lamongan Regency in 2021 is not feasible. The problem faced by sorghum farmers in sorghum farming is the existence of rat pests that cannot be controlled, resulting in crop failure and losses