Growers often use grain sorghum as a double-crop behind wheat or a failed spring crop because sorghum has a relatively low input cost and can produce good yields with favorable late-season weather conditions. However, grain sorghum yields are much less consistent or predictable with late planting dates.
Researchers have conducted many planting date studies over the years where the results have been strongly influenced by local conditions during the time frame of the trial. Growers can learn a few general underlying principles from these studies.
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In a 2017 trial conducted by the USDA Agricultural Resource Service at Stoneville, Mississippi, researchers found that delaying planting from mid-May to mid-June resulted in a yield reduction of 59% compared to only 28% in 2016.
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Year Planting Date Mid-May Mid-June 2016 4,969 3,581 2017 4,891 1,992
Source: Burns, USDA-ARS Stonoeville, MS
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Though every year is different, growers can expect lower yields when planting is delayed 30-45 days past the optimum planting date in most regions. Heat stress is likely one of the primary reasons for lower yields with late-planted sorghum. High temperatures that occur from 10 days before heading to 10 days after flowering will have a detrimental effect on yield.
Insects are more likely to be an issue with late-planted sorghum. Midge has long been a pest in the southern regions of the U.S., and early planting is one of the integrated pest management strategies for controlling midge. With late planting, growers should scout for midge during flowering and apply an insecticide if needed. Sugarcane aphids are likely to occur earlier in the growth cycle of the sorghum plant at a time when they can cause a severe reduction in yield. Growers should use an insecticide seed treatment, scout fields early and be prepared to apply an insecticide as soon as threshold levels are reached. State extension entomologists have excellent resources available for managing insects in sorghum.
When planting sorghum after a wheat harvest where heavy wheat stubble is present, growers should increase the sorghum seeding rate by 20%. In addition, when applying herbicides, growers should use plenty of water to provide better coverage on emerged weeds and aid in getting pre-emergence herbicides to the soil.
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