Potential for wheat production in Indonesia
1990
Zaini, Z. | Jusuf, M. | Kaher, A. (Sukarami Agricultural Research Institute for Food Crops, Padang, West Sumatra (Indonesia)) | Arya, L.M. (Winrock International Institute, Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas (USA))
The high rainfall and hot, humid environments in Indonesia are not considered favorable for wheat production. The domestic demand for wheat, however, remains high. It is met entirely by imports and requires substantial foreign exchange. Recent advances in technologies for wheat production in humid tropical environments have prompted Indonesia to initiate research to develop technologies for domestic production of wheat. Several varietal trials have indicated that, under appropriate soil and climatic conditions, wheat can be produced economically. An evaluation of climatic conditions indicates that temperatures that will allow wheat to grow occur in the Indonesian highlands 350 meters above sea level (masl) and above. Multilocation trials indicate a linear increase in wheat yield with increasing elevation, if there is no damage from pests and diseases and if appropriate planting times are chosen. Surveys indicate a potential land area of 31 million hectares where wheat production may be possible. Soil acidity and infertility, however, present a serious challenge. Fertile, nonacid soils occur at elevations of 700 to 1000 masl, but these areas are exclusively devoted to high value vegetable and fruit crops. Wheat will, therefore, have to be developed for lower elevations where soil management technologies will need to address the problems of soil acidity and infertility. A comparison of rainfall patterns and duration of dry seasons indicates that the eastern part of Indonesia may present a better environment for wheat production
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