Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 298-307 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 303 7.3 Mechanization in sorghum farming Mechanization is another key aspect of modern sorghum cultivation, contributing to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs. The integration of mechanized systems in sorghum farming can significantly enhance productivity by optimizing planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processes. For instance, the use of advanced tillage methods and energy-efficient production systems has been shown to improve the agronomic performance of sorghum, as demonstrated in studies evaluating different tillage and fertilization strategies (López-Sandin et al., 2019). Moreover, innovations in sorghum transformation techniques, such as the GRF4-GIF1/ternary vector system, have accelerated genetic improvements, facilitating the development of high-yielding and resilient sorghum varieties (Li et al., 2023). 8 Case Study Sharing 8.1 Optimized cultivation model for high yield Optimizing cultivation models for high yield in sorghum involves strategic management of irrigation, planting windows, and nutrient application. In the Texas High Plains, efficient irrigation strategies using the CERES-Sorghum model have been developed to optimize initial soil moisture and irrigation thresholds, significantly enhancing yield under varying climate conditions (Kothari et al., 2019). Similarly, in North-Eastern Nigeria, the APSIM crop model has been used to determine optimal planting windows for different sorghum cultivars, aligning sowing dates with climate-smart practices to maximize yield (Figure 3) (Akinseye et al., 2023). Additionally, the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers has been optimized using a Central Composite Design, achieving high yields by adjusting nitrogen, goat manure, and foliar fertilizer levels. Figure 3 Yield (observed and simulated) using on-farm datasets from the 2013-2017 growing seasons from contrasting environments for five (5) sorghum cultivars ranged from early to late maturing. ICSV-400 (N = 1192; MBE = 535 kg·ha-1; RMSE = 971 kg·ha-1, CV = 13.8%); Improved Deko (N = 300; MBE = 960 kg·ha-1, RMSE = 1169 kg·ha-1, CV = 12.3%); Samsorg-44 (N = 100; MBE = 102 kg·ha-1; RMSE = 655 kg·ha-1, CV = 8.9%); CSR01 (N = 944; MBE = −228 kg·ha-1, RMSE = 755 kg·ha-1, CV = 25.5%); SK5912 (N = 731; MBE = −241 kg·ha-1; RMSE = 879 kg·ha-1, CV = 18.4%). Coefficient of variations (CV), N = number of observations (Adopted from Akinseye et al., 2023) 8.2 Sustainability-oriented cultivation Sustainability in sorghum cultivation can be achieved through efficient water and nutrient management. In Central Greece, the use of subsurface drip irrigation has been shown to enhance water conservation and biomass production in sweet sorghum, demonstrating a sustainable approach to irrigation in dry years (Sakellariou-Makrantonaki et al., 2007). In Ghana, the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers, combined with practices that retain soil organic matter, has been found to improve water use efficiency and stabilize yields, contributing to sustainable farming systems (MacCarthy et al., 2010). Furthermore, breeding for deeper-rooted sorghum cultivars in the southeastern USA has the potential to reduce irrigation needs by maximizing rainfall interception, promoting sustainability in rainfed systems (López et al., 2017). 8.3 Farmer-led innovations Farmer-led innovations play a crucial role in adapting sorghum cultivation to local conditions. In the Brazilian Semiarid, experiments with different planting arrangements have identified optimal spacing for forage sorghum
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==