Traits available in this data set included GY (kg/ha), anthesis date (AD; days after sowing), and anthesis-silking interval (ASI; days); each of these traits were evaluated in four environments, three optimum rain-fed trials and one managed drought trial.
Fieldwork was timed to follow rainfall, providing optimum conditions in both years: there was no wind or rain to disturb traps; clear water gave good views of the substrate in torchlight at night (when tadpoles, often elusive by day, are conspicuous).
Near Awassa and for the Belg short rainy season, the optimum planting date was at the onset of the rains in March.
Out of this came the concept of shelters formed from envelopes of moving air, providing protection from rain -- which could be blown away before it landed -- and optimum temperature control.
Careful management of the grazing paddocks was adhered to, among which was the withholding of animals for a month after initiation of rain to let the grass crop come up well and maintaining an optimum number of Acacia trees.
Both rain in the green-up period and temperatures in the previous year show an optimum range for later timing although none of the responses are as pronounced as for ESM or AIRUP.
The idea that deforestation in the Amazon would create a global climate optimum was dropped when evidence and new thinking suggested tropical deforestation could lead to warmer temperatures and less rain.
The Little Optimum reversed.
What are optimum conditions?
Roger Martin Chairman, Optimum Population Trust.
