Water as a limiting factor in wheat production in two areas of the northern highlands of Tanzania.
1991
McKeagne J.A. | Modestus W.K.
Data for five major soils on soil-water properties, including water content, periodically through the growing season and rooting depth and distribution were assessed in relation to rainfall, wheat yields and calculated estimates of water used by the wheat crop. In 1987, water was retained within rooting depth, at pressures above -1500 KPa throughout the growing season in three (3) of the five (5) soils. Early seeded wheat did not respond to irrigation at one site tested. In 1988 water within the rooting zone was depleted, below -1500 KPa in four of the five soils. Irrigation improved some yields. Yields were low in relation to estimated water use by the wheat crop in both years. In average years with more than 600 mm of rainfall, achievable yields should be approximately double the current average of 1.6 t/ha. Factors other than lack of water that may limit wheat yields in the northern highlands of Tanzania are discussed.
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