SIMULATING YIELDS OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L.) AND SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas L. lam) UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE PRACTICES, CROPPING SYSTEMS AND ORGANIC INPUTS USING CROPSYST MODEL

George Njomo Karuku

Abstract


Background: Crop yields has been declining in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya due to low soil fertility and low soil water availability that is caused by low and unreliable rainfall and poor water harvesting techniques. Therefore, there is need for better management of available water. Objective: To simulate sorghum and sweet potato yields under different tillage practices. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split-split plot arrangement, replicated three times. The experimental factors were: tillage practices, cropping systems and organic inputs. The tested crops were sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.lam) rotated and/or intercropped with dolichos (Lablab purpureus) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The CropSyst model was calibrated using the observed final above ground biomass and yield of sorghum and sweet potato in the experimental site. Validation of the model was done using Wilmott index (WI) of agreement. Results: CropSyst model was accurately validated due to the low RMSE (0.629) and PD (less than ±3) values that were obtained and the WI index which was close to 1. In the sorghum based cropping systems, yield of 1,611 kg ha-1 obtained was significantly (p≤ 0.05) high in the tied ridges, compared to furrows and ridges at 1,559 kg and 1,383 kg ha-1 in the oxen plough in season I. In season II, simulated sorghum yield of 2,072 kg was high in the tied ridges (p ≤ 0.05), followed by furrows and ridges at 2,005 kg and least at 1,779 kg ha-1) in the oxen plough. In the first season; simulated sorghum yield (1,595 kg ha-1) was significantly high in the RP +FYM and least (1,436 kg ha-1) in the control. In the sweet potato based cropping systems, sweet potato yield (13,127 kg ha-1) was significantly higher in the tied ridges and least (10,127 kg ha-1) in the oxen plough in the first season. In both seasons, sweet potato yield was significantly higher in the tied ridges and least in the oxen plough. Implication: Water harvesting technologies and cropping systems improved yields in the research site. Conclusion: CropSyst model simulated sorghum and sweet potato yield reasonably well due to the good agreement between observed and simulated yield values.

Keywords


ASALs; Cropping system; CropSyst model; Sorghum; Sweet potato; yield.

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v28i2.58710

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.5871

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