Factors affecting sorghum productivity in the mechanized rainfed schemes [Sudan]
1995
Aboush, A.O.H. (University of Khartoum. Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Rural Economy, Shambat (Sudan))
Sorghum productivity in the mechanized rainfed schemes in Sudan is low compared with the irrigated schemes. The study focussed on the main factors affecting sorghum productivity in the mechanized rainfed schemes. The study was conducted in three major sorghum producing areas; Gedaref, Damazin and Dillinj. Ten factors that affect sorghum yields were considered in this study. Among others, monthly rainfall distribution (May-October), horizontal expansion, price and regional differences were considered. The study depended on secondary data collected from different relevant sources. Linear and non-linear production functions were estimated. The results show that June, August and September rainfall have positive impact on sorghum yields, while October rainfall has a negative impact, because in October the crop will be at the the flowering stage and heavy rains will retard the pollination process. Also the results showed that the horizontal expansion associated with an improvement in sorghum yields. This was mainly attributed to the expansion in virgin fertile soils. Regional differences have a negative impact on sorghum yields. According to the above results early sowing is recommended. The study also recommends that further studies should focus on the possible effects of weeding (time and number) and harvesting date on sorghum yields.
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