Development of management strategies for minimizing the impact of rainfall variation
1988
Stewart, J.I.
A new management approach, response farming, is explained as rainfall prediction followed by appropriate agronomic responses. Research findings include: (a) usable levels of rainfall predictability in the Nepal terai and at Hyderabad, India, as of May 1, prior to the monsoon; (b) effects of leaf area index on crop water requirements, and of crop type and water adequacy on maximum soil water extraction, and how these affect water balance modelling; and (c) yield versus evapotranspiration functions of millets, sorghums, and beans suited to variable rainfall zones, and impacts of plant population, fertility levels, and weed control on crop water production functions and crop-management models. An example of the strategy suggested to minimize the impacts of rainfall variation is given, based on rainfall at Hyderabad. Briefly, the strategy is to predict a narrowed band of rainfall possibilities, aim seeding rates high and fertilizer rates low in the spectrum, then either sidedress with additional N or thin the plant population at 30 days, depending on actual early season rainfall. Specialized research needs, equipment and techniques are discussed.
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