Sorghum-SUDANGRASS

Warm Season - Grass

SOIL ADAPTABILITY:

 

Drainage:  Relativley poorly drained to                                       excessively-drained soil

 

Fertility:    Good tolerance of low soil fertility

 

pH Level:   6.0 - 7.0

 

Minimum Soil Germination Temp: 65°F

 

Sunlight: No shade tolerance

 

SEEDING / GROWTH:

 

 

Dates: Best planted 10-20 days after optimum corn planting time until 6 weeks prior to average first frost.

 

Rates:

         Precision:   16lb/A

           Drilled:           22 lb/A, 3/4" to 1 1/2" deep

         Broadcast:   26 lb/A

          Aerial:               Not recommended

 

Average seeds/lb: 13-18,000

Inoculate: NR*

Emergence: 10 days

Height: Up to 8'

Drought & Heat: Excellent drought tolerance

                                  Excellent heat tolerance

Flooding:   Does not tolerate flooding

PROS:

• N Scavenger

• Soil Builder

• Erosion Preventer

• Lasting Residue

• Weed Fighter

• Grazing and Forage Value

 

 

 

CONS:

 

 

• Nitrate toxicity may be a problem when stressed by drought

• Does not tolerate frost

• Poses a prussic acid poisoning hazard ofr livestock when plants are stressed by drought or freeze.

 

Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are unrivaled for adding organic matter to worn-out soils.  These tall, fast-growing, heat-loving summer annual grasses can smother weeds, suppress some nematode species, and penetrate compacted sub-soil if mowed once.  Seed cost is modest.  Followed by a legume cover crop, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are a top choice for renovating over farmed or compacted fields.  Sorghum-sudangrass grows 5 to 12 feet tall with long slender leaves, stalks up to one-half inch in diameter, and aggressive root systems.  These features combine to produce ample biomass, usually about 4,000 to 5,000lb.