The influence of rice cultivar and sorghum planting date on crop yield in lowland rainfed double cropping systems in Northern Cameroon

Double cropping of rice and dry season sorghum on vertisols can significantly increase cereal availability for farmers both for food security and income generation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of rice cultivar and dry season sorghum planting date on crop yield in lowland rainfed double cropping systems in Northern Cameroon. Over two years, the three rice cultivars evaluated were NERICA 56, SEBOTA 281-2 and SEBOTA 70. These were followed by the local sorghum variety called ‘’Guelendeng’’, sown at three different dates. All rice cultivars were able to grow and provide a yield. Their paddy production was between 5.7 and 7.6 t ha-1. Introducing rice in the rainy season did not hinder the production of subsequent dry season sorghum whose grain yields ranged between 540 and 811 kg ha-1. The choice of rice cultivar has a significant impact on both individual crop yield and the double cropping system yield. However, the need for adequate fertilization for the cereal double cropping system, the availability of short cycle rice cultivars and indicators for the determination of the best transplanting period for dry season sorghum as second crop are main challenges.   Key words: Double cropping, lowland rainfed rice, dry season sorghum, transplanted sorghum, vertisols, food security.