Sorghum
With usage as hay, silage, pasture, or green chop, Sorghum-sudangrass has very high yield potential under adequate rainfall or irrigation. Yields are highly dependent on the timing and distribution of moisture throughout the growing season. Spring vs. summer planting will also affect the results of sorghum-sudangrass plantings with spring seedings resulting in higher production. In areas with hotter temperatures, sorghum-sudangrass will typically outperform corn plantings.
| Growth Pattern | Sorghum sudangrass can grow up to 15 ft. tall depending on the hybrid. |
| Interseeding | Not Recommended |
| Did You Know? | Seeds/Lb: 14,000 – 20,000
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Adaptation
| Soil Conditions | Yields will be better in areas where moisture is available or where it is irrigated. It can still be grown in areas lacking moisture, but yields will be reduced.
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
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| Growth | Optimum Growth Range: 70°F+
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Establishment
| Planting | Sorghum-Sudangrass plantings enjoy an extended planting window. Soils should be moist, but there are options for planting deeper or shallower depending on the depth of soil moisture. Shallow depths are preferred to assist with quicker emergence and minimizing disease issues.
Seeding Depth: ¾” – 1 ½”
Monoculture: 25 – 30 Lb/A
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| Germination | Min Time To Emergence: 3 – 10 days
Ideal Temp: 65°F
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Management
| Grazing | Earliest Time To Graze: 24″ |
Fertilizing | To avoid direct contact with the seed, make sure to fertilize according to recommendations prior to planting.
At Planting: 50 Lb/A N – 100 Lb/A N
During Grazing Season: 50 Lb/A N – 100 Lb/A N
| Hay/Silage | Sorghum-Sudangrass dries very slowly even when an impeller or roller-crimper is used.
Timing: Soft-Dough or Pre-Boot
Cuttings During Season: 2+
| Recovery | Minimum Graze Height: 10″
Rest Period: 25 days
| Mixes |
| | Yield | Tons of Dry Matter/A: 7+
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Considerations
Sorghum-Sudangrass is not a perennial.
| Competition | Due to the quick emergence and growth, herbicides are not usually needed. |
Risks | Sorghum-sudangrass hay is at risk of rain damage or over maturation before harvest. | Diseases |
- Anthracnose
- Ascochyta Leafspot
- Bacterial Stripe
- Bacterial Leaf Blight
- Ergot
- Powdery Mildew
- Head Mold
| | Pests |
- Corn Leaf Aphid
- Green Stinkbug
- Leaf-footed Bug
- Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle
- Root Lesion Nematode
- Sting Nematode
- Root-Knot Nematode
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Please Note:
All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.
We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.
For questions or advice or to share your experience, contact us.
