Description

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

Did You Know?

Not Recommended

Did You Know?

Interseeding

Seeds/Lb: 14,000 – 20,000

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

Growth

Optimum Growth Range: 70°F+

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

Germination

Min Time To Emergence: 3 – 10 days

Ideal Temp: 65°F

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

Pearl Millet

Yield

Tons of Dry Matter/A: 7+

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

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.

Questions or Advice

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