Rainfall patterns and probabilities in the semi-arid cereal production region of Morocco [Hordeum vulgare]
1993
El Mourid, M. (Aridoculture Center, Settat (Morocco)) | Watts, D.G. (University of Nebraska, Lincoln (USA))
Water is usually the most limiting factor for crop production in the semi-arid cereal production region of Morocco. Shortage of soil moisture has been a major factor every year, resulting in many total crop failures. Accordingly, the development of strategies for coping with moisture shortages and drought and the acquiring of information about the climate are major priorities for agricultural scientists working in the region. This study is devoted to providing that information on four sub-regions within the central-west semi-arid cereal production region: Abda, Ben Guerir, Marrakech and Settat. Probabilities of monthly and yearly rainfall are presented for the four stations, for which more than 30 years of data are available, as well as probabilities of receiving at least 25 mm first significant precipitation to start planting and of subsequent rainfall to predict the beginning of the growing season. Seasonal rainfall variation is discussed, and spring drought probabilities during March and April are analyzed. Altogether, this study provides the basic information required before any research or development action is started in these drought-prone areas of Morocco where barley occupies 40-70 of the land under cereals
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