Enhancing nitrogen and rainwater use efficiency through rainwater harvesting in semi-arid smallholder sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>) farming systems

Nitrogen and rainwater use efficiency in semi-arid smallholder farming systems is low due to soil fertility unreliable rainfall. The objective of this study was evaluate the effect harvesting mineral nitrogen fertilizer on under two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties. A split-split plot experiment, replicated three times, conducted Mt Zonwe area from 2016/17 2018/19. results showed that water content tied contour (TC) infiltration pits (IP) had significantly higher compared standard (SC) moisture decreased with an increase distance RWH practices. TC IP agronomic than SC across all applications, practice, seasons. Sorghum variety Macia indices Sc Sila at application 50 70 kg N/ha while >100 no difference both decreasing trend productivity shown Mineral increased up 100 beyond which there significant difference. Regardless season, each practice. This recommends integrated practices sustainably improve N systems.