Improving yield and water use efficiencies of two sorghum cultivars irrigated by surface and drip irrigation systems and fertilized by nitrogen

Abstract EN

A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons (summer 2003 and 2004) on two sorghum cultivars (Shandaweel–2 hybrid and Dorado variety) using surface and drip irrigation systems under certain levels of nitrogen fertilization (75, 100 and 125 kg N / fed) ; to study their effects on yield and its components, concentrations of N, P and K and protein content in grains as well as, evaluation of N recovery, N–use and water use efficiencies.

The results indicated the following :- 1-The highest values of panicle length, diameter and weight as well as 1000 – grain weight and shelling % of sorghum plants were obtained from Shandaweel –2 hybrid using drip irrigation and receiving 125 kg N / fed.

2-The highest grain yield (20.34 ard / fed) was obtained from Shandaweel–2 hybrid that received 125 kg N / fed under the drip irrigation system.

3-Concentrations of N, P and K as well as protein content of grains were significantly increased using drip irrigation system compared to surface irrigation, but nitrogen fertilization, exerted a significant influence on all traits.

4-The nitrogen recovery and N use efficiency significantly affected by all interactions under study.

The highest value of N recovery (58.58 kg N / fed) was obtained from Shandaweel–2 hybrid that received the highest N level (125 kg N/fed) under drip irrigation system.

The highest value (58.18 %) of N use efficiency was obtained from Shandaweel–2 hybrid that received the lowest N level (75 kg N / fed) under drip irrigation.

5-The water use efficiency was greatly affected by all interactions under study.

The highest value (2.71 kg grains / m3 water) was obtained from Shandaweel–2 hybrid that received the highest N level (125 kg N / fed) under drip irrigation.