Managing the impact of seasonal rainfall variability through response farming at a semi-arid tropical location

A method of Response Farming Programme for managing risks associated with variable seasonal rainfall was developed fur a semi-arid location using daily rainfall records fur the period 1971-94. The risks are intense rains threatening soil Erosion, prolonged heavy rains threatening water logging, prolonged low rainfall periods, early cessation of rains long before the maturity of crops and too little rainfall in relation to crop water requirements. Onset relations, i.e, relations between season rainfall parameters (amount, duration and average rainfall per day) and date of onset of the rainy season are determined. It has been demonstrated how these relationships can be used in the selection of crops/cropping systems, fertilizer application rates, plant population, etc.