CO2 exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth response of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) to terminal drought as affected by potassium and blended-NPSBZn fertilization

Sorghum production is constrained by terminal drought stress in semi-arid areas of north-eastern Ethiopia. Data from field experiments conducted in the region for two consecutive years (2015 - 2016) were used to investigate the effect of potassium (K) and NPSBZn-blended fertilizer (BF) inputs on the drought response of sorghum through analysis of gas exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth parameters. Leaf gas exchange properties varied strongly with K and BF application both under normal rainfall and drought conditions. Data taken at anthesis in drought-exposed sorghum indicated reduction of net photosynthetic rate (A(N)) with BF supply. A(N) declined from 15.7 mu mol CO2/m(2)/s in the control to 13.4 mu mol CO2/m(2)/s with application of 164 kg/ha BF. However, higher total dry matter yield was recorded at maturity in response to blended fertilizer and K inputs. Increasing supply of NPSBZn-blended fertilizer was associated with declining leaf K content, increasing intercellular CO2 concentration and water use efficiency (WUE) during anthesis. Significant variations in crop growth rates were also observed in response to K and BF inputs. At physiological maturity, net assimilation rate (NAR) increased with K and BF inputs both under drought and normal rainfall conditions. In general, K application modulated the response of sorghum to BF input under both normal rainfall and drought conditions. Therefore, grain sorghum could benefit from early supply of K and BF fertilizer in drought prone areas of Northeastern Ethiopia.

Automated summary

Sorghum production in semi-arid areas of northeastern Ethiopia is limited by terminal drought stress. Experiments conducted over two consecutive years showed that potassium and blended fertilizer inputs can significantly impact sorghum's response to drought, affecting gas exchange, dry matter accumulation, and growth parameters. Increasing NPSBZn-blended fertilizer supply was associated with reduced leaf potassium content, increased intercellular CO2 concentration, and improved water use efficiency during anthesis. Increasing net assimilation rate was observed with potassium and blended fertilizer inputs at physiological maturity, indicating the potential benefits of early supply of these nutrients for grain sorghum in drought-prone areas.