Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 298-307 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 302 have made significant progress in developing sorghum genotypes that exhibit resistance to multiple pests, such as combining resistance to shoot fly and stem borers. Genetic resistance is a sustainable approach to pest management, reducing the reliance on chemical controls and enhancing the resilience of sorghum crops to pest pressures. However, breeding for resistance to certain pest combinations, such as shoot fly versus midge, remains challenging and requires ongoing research and development. 6 Soil and Water Conservation Practices 6.1 Conservation tillage Conservation tillage is a practice that minimizes soil disturbance, thereby preserving soil structure and moisture. In semi-arid regions like Northeast Nigeria, conservation tillage combined with mulching has been shown to significantly increase soil water storage and sorghum yield. The use of wood-shavings mulch, for instance, improved water use efficiency and grain yield by up to 77% compared to traditional flat bed cultivation without mulch (Chiroma et al., 2006). Similarly, in Eastern Ethiopia, tied ridges, a form of conservation tillage, improved soil water content and water-use efficiency when combined with nutrient management practices (Wondimu et al., 2024). 6.2 Water harvesting techniques Water harvesting techniques are essential for capturing and utilizing rainwater efficiently, especially in regions prone to drought. In Zimbabwe, techniques such as tied contour and infiltration pits have been effective in increasing soil moisture content and rainwater use efficiency, leading to higher sorghum yields (Kugedera et al., 2022). These methods help in mitigating the effects of moisture stress and improving the resilience of sorghum crops to drought conditions. Additionally, in Burkina Faso, the combination of stone rows and grass strips with organic amendments like compost has been shown to enhance soil water storage and reduce runoff, thereby improving sorghum biomass production (Zougmoré et al., 2004). 6.3 Cover cropping and crop rotation Cover cropping and crop rotation are practices that can improve soil fertility and structure, thereby enhancing water retention and reducing erosion. In the Texas High Plains, crop rotation involving sorghum and cotton has been used to optimize irrigation strategies and improve water use efficiency under varying climate conditions (Kothari et al., 2019). The integration of cover crops can also contribute to soil organic matter, which enhances soil moisture retention and nutrient availability. In semi-arid regions, the use of cover crops like Leucaena leucocephala has been shown to increase soil moisture content and sorghum yield, demonstrating the potential of these practices to improve agricultural sustainability (Kugedera et al., 2022). 7 Role of Technology in Sorghum Cultivation 7.1 Precision agriculture Precision agriculture plays a crucial role in optimizing sorghum cultivation by enhancing resource use efficiency and crop management. The use of advanced models like the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) allows for precise simulation of sorghum growth under varying environmental conditions. This system helps in determining optimal irrigation strategies, which are essential for maximizing yield and water use efficiency, especially in regions like the Texas High Plains where water resources are limited (Kothari et al., 2019). Additionally, machine learning and sensor-based technologies are being utilized to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in sorghum, which is vital for increasing yield and grain quality (Ostmeyer et al., 2022). 7.2 Decision support systems Decision support systems (DSS) are integral in sorghum farming, providing farmers with data-driven insights to make informed decisions. The CERES-Sorghum module within DSSAT is a prime example, offering simulations that help in understanding the interactions between crop management practices and environmental factors. This system has been effectively used to model nutrient and water productivity in sorghum, aiding in the development of sustainable farming practices (MacCarthy et al., 2010). By simulating various scenarios, DSS can guide farmers in optimizing nitrogen application and irrigation schedules, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability (White et al., 2015).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==