In this section we will be sharing with you critical tips for a successful planting and management of the forage sorghum family of products.  Please click here to view a quick reference "where they fit" on the entire line-up.  Also, see the latest 2009 sales brochure with highlights of every Forage Sorghum and Sorghum x Sudangrass Hybrid product. Published copies of this brochure, available as 25 per pack, may be ordered thru www.cropexpertseller.com.

Forage Sorghum

Seeding Rate:

BMR Varieties                     Dryland                                   Irrigated/30"+ rainfall
Drilled/Rows                         3 to 6 lbs./acre                            4 to 8 lbs./acre
Broadcast                              4 to 7 lbs./acre                            5 to 10 lbs./acre

Conventional Varieties        Dryland                                 Irrigated/30"+ rainfall
Drilled/Rows                          4 to 8 lbs./acre                           5 to 10 lbs./acre
Broadcast                               5 to 9 lbs./acre                           6 to 12 lbs./acre

Management tips for Forage Sorghum

1. Forage sorghums should not be planted until soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are warming for best results.
2. Apply Nitrogen (N) at a rate of 1 lb to 1 1/4 lb of actual N per growing day. Due to forage sorghum being a single cut crop, you may apply all the N at one time. Example: BMR 106 is a 106 day hybrid (from germination to mature plant) and should receive 106 to 132 lbs of actual N for maximum productivity.
3. Apply Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) based upon soil test recommendations.
4. Forage sorghums used for silage are generally harvested two weeks after flowering with an optimum chop length of 1 1/4 inch.
5. Forage sorghum requires 40-50% less water than corn for similar productivity. Thus, works well in heat and drought stress conditions.
   

Sorghum x Sudangrass

Seeding Rate:

BMR Varieties                      Dryland                                  Irrigated/30"+ rainfall
Drilled/Rows                             8 to 25 lbs./acre                       15 to 35 lbs./acre
Broadcast                                 10 to 28 lbs./acre                      18 to 38 lbs./acre

Conventional Varieties          Dryland                              Irrigated/30"+ rainfall
Drilled/Rows                            10 to 30 lbs./acre                       18 to 38 lbs./acre
Broadcast                                 12 to 34 lbs./acre                       20 to 40 lbs./acre

Management tips for Sorghum x Sudangrass

1. Sorghum x Sudangrass should not be planted until soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are warming for best results.
2. Apply Nitrogen (N) at a rate of 1 lb to 1 1/4 lb of actual N per growing day. Due to sorghum x sudangrass being a multiple harvest crop, apply N application after planting and after each harvest for maximum production, return on investment, and minimize potential for high nitrates in the plant. Example: Greentreat Plus at planting apply 60 to 75 units of actual N at planting with the anticipation of harvesting at 60 days. After harvest apply another 40 to 50 units of actual N with the anticipation of harvesting in 40 days.
3. Apply Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) based upon soil test recommendations.
4. Begin grazing after  sorghum x sudangrass reaches 24 to 32 inches in height (Greentreat Dynamo at 18 to 24 inches) as high nitrates and high prussic acid levels may occur.
5. For faster regrowth to occur, leave 2 nodes or 4-6 inches on all hybrid sorghum x sudangrass with the exception of Greentreat Dynamo which may be at a 2 inch height to achieve the same 2 nodes.
6. Sorghum  x sudangrass requires 40-50% less water than corn for similar productivity. Thus, works very well in heat and drought stress conditions.     

Sudangrass

Seeding Rate:                         Dryland                          Irrigated/30"+ rainfall
Drilled/Rows                             15 to 25 lbs./acre               25 to 40 lbs./acre
Broadcast                                  20 to 30 lbs./acre               30 to 45 lbs./acre
SW Hay Production                                                          125 to 150 lbs./acre

Management tips for Sudangrass

1. Sudangrass should not be planted until after the danger of frost has passed or until soil temperatures reach 60 degree Fahrenheit and are warming for best results.
2. Preplant approximately 100 pounds of Nitrogen (N) and topdress after each harvest to maximize yield.
3. Adjust seeding rates to fit the production area and moisture availability.
4. Begin harvest at approximately 50 inches (earlier if grazing, but not before 24 inches) for best balance of tonnage and forage quality.
5. For faster regrowth to occur, leave 2-4 inches of stubble at each harvest.

Avoiding Nitrate and Prussic Acid Poisoning from Sorghum, Sorghum x Sudagrass and Sudangrass

1. Avoid large Nitrogen (N) applications prior to expected drought periods which can increase Nitrate concentration for several weeks after application.
2. Do not harvest drought-damaged plants within four days following a good rain.
3. Do not greenchop/harvest within seven days of killing frost.
4. Cut at a higher stubble height, nitrates tend to accumulate in the lower stalk.
5. Wait one month before feeding silage to give Prussic Acid enough time to escape.