1/11/2024 0 Comments Milo vs sorghum![]() We recently conducted a planting depth study, using late planting (about mid-June) under uniform soil temperatures) and three seed placements: shallow, 0.5 inch optimum, 1.5 inches and deep, 3-inches. Planting date effect on final sorghum yields, Manhattan, 2014. Shallower or deeper planting depths can affect the time between planting and emergence, affecting early-season plant uniformity.įigure 2. Optimum seed placement for sorghum is about 1-2 inches deep. Seed placement is also a critical factor when planting sorghum. Late-May and early-June planting times were more effective in producing fertile tillers and improving yields under diverse maturity groups (Fig. ![]() The potential for greater tillering with earlier planting dates makes sorghum yields generally more stable when planted in May and early June compared to late June or July plantings.Ī new study was performed in Manhattan during 2014, and the results were similar to our previous research summary. ![]() As a result, later plantings in warmer weather should be on the high side of the recommended range of seeding rates for each environment since there will be less tillering. Sorghum tillers more readily in cool temperatures and less readily under warm conditions. Planting date has some effect on seeding rates. Still, the decision related to the optimum planting date is complex and should be timed so plants have the best possible chance of avoiding hot, dry weather at the flowering stage, but can still have sufficient time to mature before the first frost. But under high-yielding environments a higher final plant population will be needed to increase yields as much as possible (Table 1).Ī summary of research information performed in the last several years has confirmed that the optimum planting date for maximizing yields will be around early June (Figure 1). On the other extreme, thin stands can compensate for better-than-expected growing conditions somewhat by producing more and/or larger heads. Planting date effect on final sorghum yields. Having more than the recommended number of plants per acre results in fewer fertile and productive tillers and thinner stems, which will reduce yield in the drier environments and increase susceptibility to drought.įigure 1. For western Kansas, final stands of about 20,000 to 30,000 plants per acre can attain yields of 60 to 80 bushels per acre or more.įor central and eastern Kansas, final stands of 50,000-70,000 plants per acre can maximize yields, with the final objective of having 1 to 1.5 heads per plant. Studies in Missouri, with substantially more than 32 inches of annual precipitation, maximized yield with about 60,000 plants per acre. In these studies, sorghum yields were maximized at 25,000 plants per acre (optimum between 20,000-30,000 plants per acre) in western Kansas at 17 inches annual precipitation 40,000 in central Kansas at 30 inches annual precipitation and 50,000 in eastern Kansas at 32 inches annual precipitation. Recent research in Kansas has confirmed these long-term recommendations. ![]() Late planting will restrict the time that the sorghum plants will have in the growing season for producing productive tillers, decreasing the capability of the plant to compensate for inadequate stands. Increase rates by 20-25% if planting in mid-June or later. Higher seeding rates also should be implemented when planting late. For a high-yielding environment (>150 bu/acre), under narrow rows high plant populations can be a critical factor for improving sorghum yields. Sorghum can compensate for good growing conditions by adding tillers and adjusting head size, but yields can be reduced in a dry year if populations are too high. Lower seeding rates minimize risk of crop failure in dry environments. Because of sorghum’s ability to respond to the environment, final stands can vary at least 25 percent from the values listed above, depending on expected growing conditions, without significantly affecting yields.
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