Evaluating effects of selected water conservation techniques and manure on sorghum yields and rainwater use efficiency in dry region of Zimbabwe

Sorghum production in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe is constrained by low and erratic rainfall, low fertility and soil moisture stress. Sorghum grain yields ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 t ha−1 in sandy-to-sandy loam soils respectively. The objective of the study was to assess cattle manure and rainwater harvesting techniques in improving sorghum grain yield in a semi-arid region of Zimbabwe. The experiment used a randomised complete block design with rainwater harvesting technique as a main treatment factor at three levels. Sub-plot factor was cattle manure at five levels (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 t ha−1) and two sorghum varieties (Macia and SV1) as sub-sub plot factor. Sorghum grain yields were improved significantly (p