Water Deficit Irrigation and Nitrogen Response of Sudan Grass under Arid Land Drip Irrigation Conditions

Abstract

The present study evaluated the interactive effect of water deficit irrigation (WDI) and nitrogen application on Sorghum sudanense growth, biomass accumulation, nitrogen content and water productivity for two consecutive seasons and three cuts. The WDI of 50, 30 and 10% depletion ratios (different application rate and frequency) along with four levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha−1) of nitrogen fertilizer were applied in three splits. The WDI of 10% depletion ratio recorded significantly higher (15–17%) fresh and dry biomass accumulation of both leaf and stem as compared with WDI of 50%. Nitrogen application improved all growth traits irrespective of the applied levels of WDI, season and cut number. The interaction of WDI of 30% depletion ratio and N200 outcompeted all other treatments for plant nitrogen and protein contents, as the resulting increment was 10–22% higher as compared to control. Of the different cut numbers, the first cutting ascribed the maximum value for plant protein contents and stated up to 32% improvement over second and third cuttings. By increasing the rate of nitrogen application, a significant increment in crop water productivity was also measured that attributed at least a threefold higher value for stem over leaf. In essence, WDI of 10% depletion ratio and nitrogen rate of 200 kg ha−1 were the optimum levels that improved Sudan grass growth, biomass and water use efficiency; moreover, the 30% depletion ratio favoured plant nitrogen content. By using a WDI approach, we can improve our forage yield with a limited amount of water by increasing irrigation frequency. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nutrient Leaching Loss of Pre-Treated Struvite and Its Application in Sudan Grass Cultivation as an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Fertilizer Source

“…The carrying capacity of Sudan grass is comparatively higher than other annual grasses and legumes and can be grown as an emergency crop in adverse conditions [13]. It is drought-resistant, requires less water to grow, and can recover faster than maize after drought [14][15][16]. Hence, its cultivation is gaining more popularity in countries with hot and dry summers [13].…”

Life history responses of two ephemeral plant species to increased precipitation and nitrogen in the Gurbantunggut Desert

“…However, the effects of precipitation plus nitrogen on whole life history have rarely been reported. The only reports to date have focused on certain aspects of plant life history; for example, the nitrogen plus precipitation significantly advanced the onset of the flowering and fruiting times (Huang, Li & Li, 2018) and was shown to increase root growth (Zhang et al, 2017), leaf number (Barker et al, 2006; Huang, Li & Li, 2018), seed yield (Altenbach et al, 2003; Fuertes-Mendizabal et al, 2010), and biomass accumulation (Al-Solaimani et al, 2017). No research on the entire life history has been performed with respect to the effect of precipitation plus nitrogen deposition.…”

Sorghum‐Sudangrass Water Productivity Under Subsurface Drip Irrigation

“…For example, Al‐Solaimani et al . () found 10% water deficit and 300 kg ha ‐1 nitrate application were the optimal combination for producing good quality sorghum‐sudangrass hay in the dry climate of Saudi Arabia. This research has focused on sweet sorghum‐sudangrass, a cross hybrid between sorghum and sudangrass.…”

“…High nitrate content in animal feed is undesirable because it can cause nitrate toxicity and, consequently, death (Bolan and Kemp, 2003). For example, Al-Solaimani et al (2017) found 10% water deficit and 300 kg ha -1 nitrate application were the optimal combination for producing good quality sorghum-sudangrass hay in the dry climate of Saudi Arabia. This research has focused on sweet sorghum-sudangrass, a cross hybrid between sorghum and sudangrass.…”