2005, University of Thessaly. (На англ. / Влияние ирригационных методов на рост и продукцию волокна сорго в центральной Греции).ABSTRACT
Growth and yield of the fiber Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L. )] variety FS-5 were studied under two different irrigation methods, gun sprinkler and subsurface drip irrigation. A field experiment was carried out in the experimental farm of the University of Thessaly during 2002, comprising a completely randomized block design with three irrigation treatments in four blocks, including control (non-irrigated). Irrigation was fully automated, and application depths were determined using a class A evaporation pan for fully matching the evapotranspiration needs. In the treatments of the gun sprinkler method 280 mm of water were totally applied, by 17 application depths, while in the treatments of subsurface drip irrigation method 238 mm of water were applied, decreased in percentage of 15%. The growth of the crop was measured by means of plant height and leaf area index (L.A.I. ), which were recorded in periodical samplings throughout the growing period. Total and dry biomass productions were measured in six harvests covering entire the growing and productive process of culture. A clear superiority of subsurface versus the gun sprinkler method was found (LSDP=0,05) as reflected by much higher plants heights, L.A.I. , total and dry biomass production and also by greater soil water conservation. Such results demonstrate the great potentiality of fiber Sorghum as alternative commodity for biomass production in future rotations according to the focus of the sustainable, low-input alternative agriculture.
