Agroclimatic aspects of rainfed agriculture in the Sudano-Sahelian zone
1989
Sivakumar, M.V.K.
Characteristics of the rainfall in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone (SSZ) such as temporal and spatial variability, persistency, and geographical patterns of variability are described. A brief review of rainfall intensities, infiltration, and runoff is presented. Cumulative frequency distribution of maximum and minimum air temperatures at the time of sowing and harvesting of crops in the SSZ show that maximum temperatures at the time of sowing could exceed 40 deg C. Such high temperatures, together with wind erosion, can cause crop establishment problems. Maps of potential evapotranspiration and growing-season length are presented. The application of agroclimatic information for cropping strategies in the SSZ is described. A significant relationship is established between the onset of rains and the length of growing season for several locations based on which a new concept of "Weather-responsive crop management tactics" is proposed. The application of rainfall and drought probabilities and water balance is discussed
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