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THE POTENTIAL OF RAINFED SORGHUM AND MILLET IN SOUTHWESTERN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AGROCLIMATOLOGY, AGRICULTURAL CLIMATOLOGY, FARMING SYSTEMS)
Abstract
The farming systems and agricultural potential of the southwest were studied and summarized. An agroclimatic calendar was developed for this important zone. The cropping systems were grouped into 5 general categories based on topography, access to water and farm size. Corn is grown by most farmers as animal feed. Basic dietary habits will not be affected by replacing corn with sorghum or millet. Small farmers in risky, rainfed areas are the most likely to benefit from sorghum production. A phenological study was conducted at four elevations in southwestern Dominican Republic. Linear regression analysis between growing degree days (GDD) and stage of development were developed for corn (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum). It was found that GDD accumulations estimate crop maturity better than time alone. Phenology-GDD relationships permit comparisons between crops, locations and planting times. The climates and growing seasons of the southwest region were classified and compared. There is a moisture gradient from the arid coastal lowlands to the higher elevations near the Haitian border. Crop specific agroclimatic normals were generated to compare the adaptation of corn and sorghum in the southwest. Growing conditions are poor for both crops in the semi-arid areas of the southwest. Drought resistance would be a desirable characteristic for any dryland crop. Precipitation patterns and their effect on agriculture were analyzed and discussed. Rainfall is the major limiting factor to crop production in the Southwest. Rainfall is highly variable and undependable. Monthly rainfall probabilities for San Juan and Elias Pina, which have different rainfall patterns, were calculated and compared. The severity of the mid-summer drought, or veranillo, was studied using probability analysis. Due to the very risky climatic situation, drought resistant sorghum and millet would have potential under rainfed conditions in the semi-arid areas of the southwest. Also discussed are the cultural aspects of graduate student training overseas. Overseas opportunities for graduate students should be continued and expanded.
Subject Area
Agronomy
Recommended Citation
LOGAN, JOANNE, "THE POTENTIAL OF RAINFED SORGHUM AND MILLET IN SOUTHWESTERN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AGROCLIMATOLOGY, AGRICULTURAL CLIMATOLOGY, FARMING SYSTEMS)" (1984). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8423812.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8423812