Agroclimatic classification of the semi-arid tropics III. Characteristics of variables relevant to crop production potential

This paper presents the characteristics of agroclimatic variables identified in part II of this study as being relevant to crop production potential. A soil-water balance simulation and agronomic data for selected locations in India were used to assist in this analysis. Based on these observations the successful cropping systems and crop species for similar soil types were also discussed. Clearly, the cropping pattern is not only influenced by the mean effective rainy period but also by its variability, as well as the variability in the times at which the sowing rains commence. However, the crop varieties that are suitable for these cropping patterns differ significantly. They are associated more with soil type, and the wet and dry spells within the effective rainy period.