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Evaluating the Response of In Situ Moisture Conservation Techniques in Different Rainfall Distributions and Soil-Type Conditions on Sorghum Production and Soil Moisture Characteristics in Drought-Prone Areas of Northern Ethiopia

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of four moisture harvesting techniques for sorghum production under different rainfall distributions and soil types in Northern Ethiopia. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Rainfall and soil moisture content were monitored and used in interpreting the agronomic data. The result of the experiment conducted in clay loam soil revealed that conservation structures were significantly (p < 0.05) increasing all the agronomic data during the dry season but not in wet season. Tied ridge provided the highest grain yield of 2300 kg/ha and biomass yield of 7650 kg/ha in dry season while lowest grain yield of 860 kg/ha and 3970 kg/ha of biomass yield in the second year. The conventional practice gave the lowest biomass yield of 2400 kg/ha with zero grain yield in the first year and a maximum grain yield of 1750 kg/ha and biomass yield of 1234 kg/ha during the wet season. With regard to soil moisture, the conservation practices were considerably maintaining the moisture level within allowable depletion limit in the first season, however, causing waterlogging effect in wet season. The experiment conducted on sandy clay loam soil showed the conservation structures had a lower (almost below half) performance in increasing the yield and moisture level irrespective of the rainfall distribution. It was then concluded that the performance of conservation practices varied on rainfall distribution and soil types, and authors then suggested on a need of adjustment for using the techniques accordingly.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute for the budget support, specifically the management of Sekota Dry Land Agricultural Research Center for their day-to-day facilitation of research operations. The authors also extend their grateful thanks to Mekele Soil Laboratory Centre for analyzing the soil physiochemical and soil moisture characteristics of the experimental sites. Special thanks are also due to Mr. Shawl Abebe for his contributions in conducting the field experiment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, Sirinka Agri. Research Centre, P.O. Box, 74, North Wollo, Woldia, Ethiopia

    Demlie G. Zelelew

  2. South Wollo Agricultural and Rural Development Bureau, P.O. Box 108, Dessie, Ethiopia

    Tessema A. Ayimute

  3. Madda Walabu University, Bale Robe, Ethiopia

    Tessema A. Ayimute

  4. Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Assefa M. Melesse

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  1. Demlie G. Zelelew
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Correspondence to Demlie G. Zelelew.

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Zelelew, D.G., Ayimute, T.A. & Melesse, A.M. Evaluating the Response of In Situ Moisture Conservation Techniques in Different Rainfall Distributions and Soil-Type Conditions on Sorghum Production and Soil Moisture Characteristics in Drought-Prone Areas of Northern Ethiopia. Water Conserv Sci Eng 3, 157–167 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41101-018-0045-7

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