Sowing and establishment tips

For a finer seed bed, better weed control and good establishment, early preparation followed by a fallow period is essential.
Avoid creating a rough seed bed as this may result in poor establishment.
Although sowing depth may vary depending on moisture, sowing forage sorghum seed at a depth of4-6cm will produce best results in most conditions.
When sowing, sow into moist, fertile soil (for best results, consider completing a soil test and follow nutrient recommendations).
For good soil to seed contact, sow using press wheels or rollers.

Pest management

Among others, Wireworms and Cutworms can be extremely destructive during early establishment. When young, these pests hide under the soil (by day) and damage the crops at ground level and when mature, pass through the top soil. Wireworms, Cutworms and other insects can be controlled by insecticide. For insecticide applications best suited to your operation and environment contact your relevant adviser.

Animal Health (Prussic acid)

In some sorghum varieties, Prussic acid poisoning may occur if hungry stock graze on fresh young growth. To avoid this, sorghum crops mustn’t be grazed until 80cm or 1.5m tall (variety dependent). This is also when feed quality is at its highest. Supplement Sulphur by using stock lick blocks.