What To Know
- With its rapid growth, high yield, and adaptability to various soil conditions, sorghum sudan grass has become a popular choice for grazing, hay production, and soil conservation.
- Thoroughly till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to break up compaction and create a fine seedbed.
- Use a grain drill to plant the seeds at a depth of 1-2 inches and a spacing of 6-12 inches between rows.
Sorghum sudan grass, a versatile warm-season forage crop, offers numerous benefits for livestock producers and farmers. With its rapid growth, high yield, and adaptability to various soil conditions, sorghum sudan grass has become a popular choice for grazing, hay production, and soil conservation. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge and step-by-step instructions on how to plant sorghum sudan grass effectively.
Choosing the Right Variety
Selecting the appropriate variety of sorghum sudan grass is crucial for optimizing yield and meeting your specific needs. Consider factors such as the desired maturity date, growth habit, disease resistance, and suitability for your climate and soil conditions.
- Early maturing varieties: Reach maturity in 60-75 days, making them ideal for short-season areas or multiple cuttings per year.
- Medium maturing varieties: Mature in 75-90 days, offering a balance between yield and quality.
- Late maturing varieties: Take 90-105 days to mature, producing higher yields but requiring a longer growing season.
- Dwarf varieties: Have a shorter stature, facilitating grazing and preventing lodging.
- Disease-resistant varieties: Provide protection against common diseases such as anthracnose, leaf blight, and rust.
Site Preparation
Proper site preparation ensures optimal growth and yield of sorghum sudan grass.
- Soil pH: Sorghum sudan grass prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Tillage: Thoroughly till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to break up compaction and create a fine seedbed.
- Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient requirements of your soil. Apply the recommended amount of fertilizer, typically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Planting Time and Methods
The ideal planting time for sorghum sudan grass varies depending on your location and climate. In general:
- Spring planting: Plant when soil temperatures reach 65°F or higher.
- Summer planting: Plant from mid-summer to early fall for late-season forage or cover crop.
Two common planting methods are:
- Broadcast seeding: Spread the seeds evenly over the prepared seedbed and lightly incorporate them into the soil.
- Drilling: Use a grain drill to plant the seeds at a depth of 1-2 inches and a spacing of 6-12 inches between rows.
Seeding Rate
The recommended seeding rate for sorghum sudan grass is 20-30 pounds per acre for broadcast seeding and 15-25 pounds per acre for drilled seeding. Adjust the rate based on the specific variety and planting conditions.
Irrigation
Sorghum sudan grass has a moderate water requirement. Water the crop regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to disease and lodging.
Weed Control
Effective weed control is essential for maximizing sorghum sudan grass yield and quality.
- Pre-emergence herbicides: Apply pre-emergence herbicides before weed seeds germinate to prevent weed establishment.
- Post-emergence herbicides: Use post-emergence herbicides to control weeds that emerge after planting.
- Mechanical cultivation: Till or cultivate the soil between rows to suppress weeds and aerate the soil.
Harvesting
Sorghum sudan grass can be harvested for grazing, hay, or silage.
- Grazing: Allow livestock to graze on the crop when it reaches a height of 24-30 inches. Avoid grazing too closely to prevent damage to the plants.
- Hay production: Cut the crop for hay when it reaches the boot stage (when the seed head emerges from the boot). Allow the hay to dry in the field before baling.
- Silage production: Harvest the crop for silage when it reaches the milk stage (when the kernels are milky). Chop the crop and store it in a silo for fermentation.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Sorghum Sudan Grass Yield
By following these comprehensive guidelines on how to plant sorghum sudan grass, you can effectively establish and cultivate this valuable forage crop. With proper variety selection, site preparation, planting techniques, and management practices, you can maximize your yield and reap the numerous benefits of sorghum sudan grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can sorghum sudan grass be planted in cold climates?
A: Sorghum sudan grass is not well-suited for cold climates and should be planted in areas with warm-season conditions.
Q: How often should sorghum sudan grass be fertilized?
A: Fertilize sorghum sudan grass every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, especially after grazing or cutting.
Q: What is the best way to control weeds in sorghum sudan grass?
A: Use a combination of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides, along with mechanical cultivation to effectively control weeds.
Q: Can sorghum sudan grass be toxic to livestock?
A: Sorghum sudan grass can be toxic to livestock if it is consumed in large quantities when it is young or stressed. Introduce livestock gradually to the crop and avoid grazing it when it is drought-stressed.
Q: What is the average yield of sorghum sudan grass?
A: The average yield of sorghum sudan grass varies depending on the variety, soil conditions, and management practices, but typically ranges from 5 to 15 tons of dry matter per acre.
