Sylvester Addy, North Carolina A & T State Universitiy, 3802 F, West Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27407, Vanuatu and Muchha Reddy, North Carolina State Univ, Dept of Natural Resources, Greensboro, NC 27411.
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for cereal production worldwide is approximately 33% with the remaining 67% representing a $15.9 billion annual loss of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Many parts of the world are becoming more arid due to climate change. In this light, methods that increase NUE, Water use efficiency (WUE) farmer profitability are no longer simply commendable, but required. Breeding programs have identified certain adaptations that present great promise for the development of crops that are tolerant to low levels of N and soil water. The Staygreen character of sorghum is a unique example of these adaptations. A greenhouse study was conducted at NCA&T State University to determine the nitrogen use efficiency of staygreen sorghum variety (BTx642) at 67, 100, 134 kgha-1and soil moisture levels of field capacity, half-field and one-third field capacities. Moisture levels significantly (P=0.05) decreased NUE by 45% and 41% at one-third and one-half field capacities respectively. Grain weight was also significantly (P=0.05) reduced by 20% at both one-third and one-half field capacities. However, NUE was similar under different rates of N. Leaf fresh weight, dry weights of Leaf, stover, root and leaf water content were not significantly affected by N and soil moisture levels.
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