Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 298-307 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 304 varieties, enhancing growth and productivity. In Ethiopia, the use of spatial model selection and design evaluation in sorghum breeding programs has improved the precision of genotype comparisons, allowing farmers to select the best-performing genotypes for their specific conditions (Tadese and Piepho, 2023). These innovations highlight the importance of local knowledge and experimentation in developing efficient and adaptable cultivation models for sorghum. 9 Challenges in Implementing Efficient Models 9.1 Resource constraints Resource constraints significantly impact the implementation of efficient cultivation models for edible sorghum. One of the primary challenges is the limited access to essential inputs such as fertilizers and water. In sub-Saharan Africa, declining soil fertility and limited access to inorganic fertilizers lead to sub-optimal grain yields, which are further exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and climate change (Tonitto and Ricker-Gilbert, 2016). Additionally, the reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation in regions like the Texas High Plains highlights the critical need for efficient water use to sustain agriculture (Kothari et al., 2019). The high cost of fertilizers also poses a challenge, as it affects the profitability of sorghum cultivation despite potential yield increases (Tonitto and Ricker-Gilbert, 2016). 9.2 Environmental and climatic challenges Sorghum is known for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, yet climate change presents significant challenges. Rising temperatures and increased CO2 levels affect photosynthesis and water use efficiency in sorghum, complicating cultivation practices (Yang et al., 2024). In regions like north-eastern Nigeria, low soil fertility and early terminal droughts further constrain sorghum productivity, necessitating climate-smart management practices (Akinseye et al., 2023). Moreover, while sorghum is drought-tolerant, climate change could push its growing conditions beyond tolerable limits, threatening food security (Khalifa and Eltahir, 2023). Efficient irrigation management strategies are crucial, as weather conditions play a key role in selecting appropriate irrigation practices (Kothari et al., 2019). 9.3 Policy and market limitations Policy and market limitations also hinder the optimization of sorghum cultivation models. The lack of supportive policies for resource allocation and market access can restrict the adoption of improved cultivation practices. In Africa, facilitating access to fertilizers and diversified crop rotations is essential for increasing grain yield, yet these practices are often limited by policy and market constraints (Tonitto and Ricker-Gilbert, 2016). Additionally, the global demand for bioenergy and food security pressures necessitate policies that support sustainable sorghum production (López-Sandin et al., 2019). Without adequate policy support, the potential benefits of technological advancements and improved management practices may not be fully realized. 10 Concluding Remarks The optimization of efficient cultivation models for edible sorghum has been explored through various studies, highlighting the importance of irrigation management, planting windows, and nutrient use efficiency. Efficient irrigation strategies, such as those identified in the Texas High Plains, are crucial for maximizing yield and water use efficiency, especially under varying climate conditions. Optimal planting windows and cultivar selection, as demonstrated in North-Eastern Nigeria, are essential for adapting to climate change and improving sorghum productivity. Additionally, the integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers has been shown to significantly enhance sorghum yield, emphasizing the role of nutrient management in cultivation models. Case studies have provided valuable lessons in optimizing sorghum cultivation. In the southeastern USA, breeding for deeper-rooted sweet sorghum cultivars has shown potential in reducing irrigation needs and increasing biomass yield, highlighting the importance of genetic improvements in cultivation strategies. In Central Greece, the use of subsurface drip irrigation has proven more effective than conventional methods, demonstrating the benefits of modern irrigation techniques in dry conditions. Furthermore, the exploration of native genetic variability for nitrogen use efficiency in sorghum has identified promising genotypes that perform well under low nitrogen conditions, offering insights into genetic selection for improved crop performance.
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