Potential Agricultural Productivity in Summer and Winter Rainfall AreasM V KSivakumarauthorA K SHudaauthorThe productivity of summer and winter rainfall areas in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world was assessed through an evaluation of the climatic characteristics and potential dry matter production in relation to present productivity. Comparison of the average yield data for several crops in different regions with yields achieved under adequate management at experimental stations indicates that considerable potential exists for improving and stabilizing crop yields. The total biomass production is influenced by the intensity and duration of moisture stresses that frequently occur during the growing season. Fertilizer use in the summer and winter rainfall areas is closely related to the amount of rainfall and the availability of water for supplemental irrigation. Current use of fertilizers in these areas is reviewed and the constraints on yield and on the use of fertilizers are discussed. Further discussion in the course of the colloquium should lead to the identification of the means to alleviate these constraints.Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics1983Conference or Workshop Item