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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research
Implications of late sown irrigated grain sorghum on productivity and
water management
A.W. Abdelhadi1 , M. A. Bashir2 , S. M. Farah1
and T. Hata2
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons to study the
impact of sowing dates on sorghum yield, water use efficiency and water
management in Sudan Gezira scheme. The experiment also aimed at determining
the latest possible sowing date without jeopardizing yields and water use
for other users. This was done by calculating the amount of irrigation water
required for the areas of the late sown sorghum, winter crops and hydropower
generation from Roseires dam. Variable yield reductions were observed as the
sowing dates were delayed to early August in all seasons. Reductions of 4,
22 and 72% in grain yields were observed in the first season for early
August, late August and early September sowings respectively. Complete grain
yield losses in the last two seasons were observed for late August and early
September sowings. The water wasted in these two late sowings could have
been utilized for cheep hydropower generation in March-May period, which
coincides with the minimum Blue Nile flows. In seasons with low rainfall,
food security is a major concern, and a decision should be made regarding
the dead line for growing extra areas of irrigated sorghum. In such case the
first week of August provides the limit for sorghum sowing date.
Keywords:
Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 6 (2006) PP. 1-10