Simulated weather variables effects on millet fertilized with phosphate rock in the Sahel

Yamoah, C.F. and Bationo, A. and Wyatt, T.J. and Shapiro, B. and Koala, S. (2003) Simulated weather variables effects on millet fertilized with phosphate rock in the Sahel. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems , 67 (2). pp. 167-176.

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Abstract

The Sudano-Sahelian agroecological zone is characterized by low and variable rainfall regimes and P deficiency. The present study complements previous research efforts and the objective was (i) to use the Newhall Simulation Model (NSM) to characterize three ICRISAT research sites, and (ii) to use output of NSM to develop an empirical model to guide efficient use of rainfall and fertilizers. The results show that length of the periods that rainfall exceeded evapotranspiration was larger in Bengou than in Gobery and Sadoré. Total positive moisture balance during the three growing seasons was 85.7 mm at Bengou and 19.7 mm at Sadoré. The model explained 52% of the variability in millet yields based on curvilinear response to P fertilizer, standardized May-June (Rmj) rainfall, and the number of wet days in the year (BW3). Yields appear more sensitive to BW3 than to Rmj. Their respective elasticity coefficients (Ec) were 0.62 and 0.09. Assessment of the model using R2=0.76 and the D-index=0.85 showed reasonable agreement between model estimation and actual field yields. The study demonstrates the application of simulation models as a cost-effective means in terms of time and funds to agronomic research

Item Type:	Article
Author Affiliation:	International Crop Research Institute for the Semiarid Tropics (ICRISAT), Niamey, Niger
Subjects:	Plant Protection > Pesticides
Divisions:	Millet
Depositing User:	Syamala
Date Deposited:	14 Apr 2011 05:30
Last Modified:	14 Apr 2011 05:30
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1025576414338
URI:	http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/1762

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