%C Rabat and Marrakech, Morroco
%A M V K Sivakumar
%A A K S Huda
%P 23-47
%D 1983
%L icrisat5153
%X The 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.
%T Potential Agricultural Productivity in Summer and Winter Rainfall Areas