Rainfed-based production of <i>Megathyrsus maximus</i> in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of the semi-arid environment of Sudan
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by
Hussein I Mohamed,
Shamseddin M Ahmed,
Adil D Mohamed
2022
Abstract
The performance of rainfed-based <i>Megathyrsus maximus</i> (syn. <i>Urochloa maxima</i> and <i>Panicum maximum</i>) was investigated in the semi-arid pastures of Sudan. Split-plot complete design experiments with three replications were applied for two consecutive seasons (2020–2021). The treatments were two in situ rainwater harvesting systems [i.e. ridges plus terraces (RD) and terraces (TR)], three seeding rates (i.e. 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) and two urea fertilisation rates [0 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>(Z) and 95 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>(F)]. These treatments were compared to a control (a flat, unfertilised and zero-tillage plot). Hydrological, biological and chemical indicators were used in the assessment. The results showed that the adopted RWH improved semi-arid pastures, with the RD treatment providing the best results for sustaining biomass production, water use efficiency, nutritional quality and soil quality. The highest plant density (112 000 plants ha<sup>−1</sup>) was associated with the RD3.5 treatment. The FSR1.5-RD treatment resulted in the greatest plant length (63.5 cm) and number of leaves per plant (34.59), whilst the FSR3.5-RD resulted in both the highest fresh biomass (25.9 t ha<sup>−1</sup>) and dry biomass (6.3 t ha<sup>−1</sup>). The chemical compositions of <i>M. maximus</i> (i.e. crude protein, organic matter and nitrogen contents) were also substantially improved by fertilisation. The water use efficiency of <i>M. maximus</i> was plant-, management- and climate-dependent.
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Date 2022-08-03
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