Description
Purpose & Fit
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
Sorghum-Sudangrass
Sorghum
Description
Purpose & Fit
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
Adaptation
Climate & Soil
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
Optimum Growth Range: 70°F+
Adaptation
Climate & Soil
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
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”
Germination
Min Time To Emergence: 3 – 10 days
Ideal Temp: 65°F
Seeding Rate
Monoculture: 25 – 30 Lb/A
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”
Germination
Min Time To Emergence: 3 – 10 days
Ideal Temp: 65°F
Seeding Rate
Monoculture: 25 – 30 Lb/A
Management
Grazing
Earliest Time To Graze: 24″
Fertilizer Requirements
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 or 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
Yields
Tons of Dry Matter/A: 7+
Management
Grazing
Earliest Time To Graze: 24″
Fertilizer Requirements
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 or 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
Yields
Tons of Dry Matter/A: 7+
Pests & Considerations
Permanent Pasture
Sorghum-Sudangrass is not a perennial.
Competitiveness
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
Pests & Considerations
Permanent Pasture
Sorghum-Sudangrass is not a perennial.
Competitiveness
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