Sudan Journal of Desertification Research

Effect of Center Pivot Irrigation System Speed and Tillage Methods on Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Productivity under Dryland Conditions, River Nile State, Sudan

Mohammed Abu Elgasim Osman, Yassir Mohammed Ibrahim, Amir Bakheit Saeed — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment was carried out at the Jordanian Bashair project located south of Eldamar city, River Nile State (longitude 33⁰ 50' Latitude 17⁰ 20'N in an area of 2.25 ha during two successive seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 with a view to evaluating the production of alfalfa under three different center pivot system speeds (50%, 70%, and 100%) and three different tillage operations, chisel ploughing with disc harrowing and laser levelling T1, chisel ploughing with disc harrowing followed by traditional levelling T2 and chisel ploughing with traditional levelling T3. The experiment was arranged in a split plot procedure with complete randomized block design replicated three times with the system speeds assigned to the main plots and the tillage operations to the subplots. The results showed that the number of leaves per plant and stem diameter were significantly affected (p≤ 0.05) with no effect on plant density and height. Generally all plant growth parameters were profoundly affected under the lowest system speed of 50% compared to the other two system speeds. On the other hand, different tillage methods showed highly significant effects on all crop growth parameters and in similar trend during both seasons, where treatment T1rankedfirst and T3 came last. With regard to alfalfa yield attributes, the system speeds had highly significant effects (p≤ 0.01) on the fresh and dry weights during both seasons with the effects being more pronounced with decreasing speed. In as far as the tillage methods were concerned, the treatment T1 recorded the highest yield (15.05 ton/ha) as compared to other tillage methods. Moreover, the water use efficiency was statistically affected by system speeds and tillage methods the highest value was observed under the system speed 50% and tillage method T1.Nevertheless,the interaction between different system speeds and tillage methods showed no significant effects on water use efficiency, growth and yield parameters of alfalfa crop

Water Productivity as a Tool for Deficit Irrigation Strategy to Optimize Watering Requirements for the Production of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Dry Land Conditions of the Northern State, Sudan

Abbas M. A. Mustafa, Amir Bakheet Saeed, Bashir M. Ahmed — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) at the sandy loam soil of New Hamdab Research station with a view to investigate the effect of deficit irrigation induced at different growth stages of sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) on yield and water productivity. Five irrigation treatments were conducted, I₁ (100% crop water requirement throughout the season was considered as control), I₂ and I₃ indicated 75% and 50% crop water requirements at crop vegetative growth stage, respectively, whereas I₄and I₅ indicated 75% and 50% crop water requirements at crop ripening stage, respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the treatments in yield and yield components. On the other hand the deficit irrigation treatment I₃ (Imposing 50% crop water requirement at vegetative stage) resulted in higher water productivity with no reduction in yield, therefore, it becomes evident that in order to save irrigation water while keeping high productivity of sunflower under such desert conditions, deficit irrigation of 50% crop water requirements at the crop vegetative stage of the crop should be applied.

Water Productivity as a Tool for Deficit Irrigation Strategy to Optimize Watering Requirements for the Production of Chickpea (Cicer arictinum L.) Under Dry Land Conditions of the Northern State, Sudan

Abbas M. A. Mustafa, Amir Bakheit Saeed, Bashir M. Ahmed — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) on the sandy loam desert soil of New Hamdab Research Station with a view to investigating the response of deficit irrigation as induced by the water productivity at different growth stages of chickpea (Cicer arictinum L.). Five irrigation treatments were conducted, I₁ (100% crop water requirement throughout the season was considered control, I₂ and I₃ indicated (75% and 50% crop water requirements at crop vegetative growth stage) respectively, where as I₄and I₅ indicated (75% and 50% crop water requirements at crop ripening stage) respectively. The full irrigation treatment and the 75% deficit irrigation treatments at the vegetative and ripening stages showed higher chickpea grain yield, higher number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight. On the other hand the deficit irrigation of 50% crop water requirement applied at the vegetative stage resulted in higher water productivity (0.59 kg/m³) but attaining lower grain yield with higher deficit irrigation stress index (DISI). Therefore, in order to save irrigation water while keeping high productivity of chickpea under such dry conditions, it is recommended to apply deficit irrigation of 50% crop water requirement at vegetative stage of the crop.

Assessment of Total Crude Protein during Growth and Development of Some Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) Cultivars Grown under Water Stress

Huda A. H. Osman, Eltayeb H. A. Ahmed, Elhadi A. I. Elkhalil — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The total crude protein (TCP) changes during growth and development of some sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivars under water stress was studied in a field experiment for two seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) at the Demonstration Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum. The design was split plot with three replicates. The main plots were assigned to water treatments and the subplots to the cultivars. Water stress was induced by watering treatments at intervals of 7 (T1), 14 (T2) and 21 (T3) days, and the sorghum cultivars were Wad Ahmed, Arfa Gadmak, Tabbat, Abu sabien and White Mugud. Leaves were collected for analysis of total crude protein percentage; at different growth stages (seedling, panicle initiation, booting, flowering, milk, soft dough, hard dough and physiological maturity). The results showed differences in TCP percentage among the cultivars with the highest value (15.2 %) recorded for Wad Ahmed under non-sress and the lowest values (8.4 %) recorded for White Mugud under non-stress Contrary to the other four varieties, TCP of Abu Sabien decreased from 13.8 % under non-stress to 10.6 % under stress conditions. The TCP percentage gradually decreased towards booting and flowering stages in most cultivars and they produced a high TCP percentage under the long watering interval (21days).

Response of Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus Coronette F1) To Compost Amendment and Foliar Fertilization

Seifeldin Ali Mohamed, Nada Abbas Araki Elagabain — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Two experiments were conducted at the ornamental plants nursery of the Department of Horticulture - Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum at Shambat to study the response of snapdragon plants to compost amendments and foliar fertilization. In the first experiment, a compost was mixed with field soil to form four treatments namely 0:1(control), 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 (compost:field soil).Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design. Results showed that the three ratios of compost had a positive effect on vegetative growth and flowering parameters which were plant height, stem diameter, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, days to first flower bud, number of inflorescences per plant, inflorescence length and inflorescence weight. There were significant differences among treatments. All treatments resulted in significantly higher values and earlier flowering than the control. In the second experiment, four doses of the foliar fertilizer Wuxal representing four treatments namely 0 ml/L (control), 2 ml/L, 4 ml/L and 6 mls fertilizer/liter of water. Results demonstrated that growth parameters (plant height, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant and stem diameter) were highest at the dose of 4 ml/L. Increasing the dose of the foliar fertilizer from 4 mls /L to 6 mls/L did not result in significant increase in growth parameters. With regard to flowering, earlier flower bud emergence was at 4 mls/L and 6 mls/L. With respect to number of inflorescences/plant, inflorescence length and inflorescence weight, all treatments were significantly superior to control. The study recommends the use of the mixture (compost: field soil) at the ratio 1 : 3 and the foliar fertilizer Wuxal at 4 ml/L for Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus Coronette F1) production.

Litterfall Decomposition and Nutrients Release in Yatta Teak Plantation Forest in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

D. M. A. Daldoum, J. E. Lagure — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed litter input in a teak plantation forest, and characterized soils, litter decomposition and elements release in Yatta forest, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan; during May 2008 and October 2011. Litter fall was collected weekly from plots of 16 m² under the forest cover with ten replicates. Seventy five litter bags were used to assess decomposition and elements release, and buried at 15 to 30 cm soil depth; 25 bags were withdrawn at 6, 12 and 18 months. The soil is an Oxisols, clay loam to clayey, acidic, rich in organic matter, and amply furnished with nutrients. Litter input was 1404.4 kg/ha/year; with concessive maxima and minima in dry and wet months. Losses of dry matter were high, with ranges of 52% to 95% during the tested periods. The elements carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium were rapidly released with successive rates: 77.2%- 98.7%, 89.5% – 98.8%, 23.2% – 96.3%, 99.8% – 100%, 92% – 99.3%, 70% – 96.3% during the trial months. The results showed a high potential fertility of this teak plantation site and which will support the sustainability of the growing stock.

Effect of Waterlogging Stress on Vegetative Growth of some Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)Monech) Cultivars

Rufida E. A. Ali, Huda A. H. Osman — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research aimed to investigate the effect of waterlogging on the vegetative growth of some sorghum cultivars (WadAhmed, Arfagadamk, Tabbat and AbuNafaein). A pot experiment was carried out at the Faculty of agriculture, University of Khartoum, Shambat in 2020. The plants were irrigated weekly until they reached panicle initiation stage where the plants were partly submerged in water (five cm. above the soil surface) for twenty days and the vegetative parameters readings were taken after ten and twenty days of the partial submerging. The pots were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, dry and fresh weight of the root and shoot were not significantly affected in all the cultivars used, while the stem diameter was significantly decreased (76.47%) in Tabat cultivar after ten days of flooding and significantly increased (17.65%, 50%) in Arfagadamk cultivar after the ten and twenty days of water logging, respectively. Water logging affected leaf area by a significant increase in Arfagadamk (55.97%) after twenty days immersion and Wad Ahmed (88.78%) for twenty days water logging and there were also significant increases of 64.79% and 48.72% in the length of roots in Tabat after ten and twenty days of waterlogging, respectively, and Arfagadamk (128.16%) after twenty days of flooding. Abu Nafaein was not affected by flooding stress in all vegetative measurements. The study concluded that the cultivars showed resistance to waterlogging. It recommended more research during the different stages of sorghum growth and development

Advances of Research in Soil Chemistry in Sudan

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Soil is a combination of organic and inorganic solids, water and air. Soil chemistry focuses on studying the chemical reactions and processes between these components and, particularly, the fate of contaminants n soil chemistry in Sudan. The review will give an in site of the most important aspect the executed research in tackling the productivity of the agricultural sector. Therefore, reviewed studies primarily focused on the reactions between plant nutrients and soil.Pioneers scientists noted that the nitrogen in the soils of Gezira is deficient, due to low organic matter, hence, nitrogen was considered as the main yield-limiting factor. Since then, adsorption experiments have carried out to study the adsorption of urea and ammonia in Gezira soils. Meager research on adsorption of phosphorus and potassium has been carried out in Sudan soils. Salt-affected soils are widespread in different states of the country such as Northern, River Nile, Khartoum Gezira, and White Nile states, therefore, adsorption experiments of macro- and micronutrients onto salt affected soils in Sudan has been studied by many researchers. In spite of the amount and progress that had been achieved in soil chemistry research in Sudan, it is high time to recognize the future directions the research and innovations need to address on soil chemistry in Sudan, Thus, our future research should focus on food security with quest for improvement in the quality of life and preserving our country free from any kind of environmental hazards by adopting recent advances in methods and technologies.

A Note on the Evaluation of Vegetative Growth of Six Sudanese Sorghum Genotypes under Pre- and Post- Flowering Drought Stress Conditions

Rania S. El Sanousi, Nada B. Hamza, Awadalla A. Abdelmula — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the morphological performance and variability of six Sudanese sorghum genotypes (Wad Ahmed, Tabat, Tetron, Red Mugud, ArfaGadamak and Milo) under pre- and post-flowering water stresses in afield experiment for one season (2015-2016). Seeds were sown at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture,University of Khartoum. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replicates. Water treatment was assigned to the main plots and genotypes to the sub plots. Pre-flowering drought stress was applied after 35 days of sowing by withholding water from the stressed plots for three weeks then irrigation was continued regularly until end of season, while post-flowering drought stress was applied after 60 days of sowing by withholding water from the plots until end of season.The tested genotypes differed significantly in most of the measured traits such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, days to 50% flowering and stem diameter under both pre- flowering and post-flowering water stress. Also, relative performance for most of the measured characters differentiated the genotypes Wad Ahmed, ArfaGadamak and Red Mugud as the most drought-tolerant genotypes. Depending on the obtained results, the study recommended the use of tolerant genotypes as donor parents to develop elite genotypes in breeding program

A Note on The Effect of Different Patterns of Drought Stress on Productivity and Stomatal Conductance in Some Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Genotypes

Rania S. El Sanousi, Nada B. Hamza, Awadalla A. Abdelmula — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses in agriculture worldwide. Crops demonstrate various morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to tackle drought stress. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of two types of drought stress (pre- and post- flowering) on productivity and stomatal conductance in six sorghum genotypes under field experiment for one season (2015-2016). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replicates. Pre-flowering drought stress was applied after 35 days of sowing by withholding water from the stressed plots for three weeks then irrigation was continued regularly until end of season, while post-flowering drought stress was applied after 60 days of sowing by withholding water from the plots until end of season. Significant differences were detected just in head length parameter among the tested sorghum genotypes under pre- and post-stress, while there were no significant differences in other reproductive, yield and stomatal conductance. The genotypes Wad Ahmed, ArfaGadamak and Red Mugud showed more tolerance compared with other genotypes. This information should be important for selection of drought-resistant genotypes for production under diverse environments.