By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University's (NDSU) agricultural research is shedding light on the best practices for planting sorghum forages. According to James Rogers, an Extension forage crops production specialist at NDSU’s North Central Research Extension Center, the last couple of years have seen significant success with sorghum in North Dakota, particularly when producers manage to strike the right balance between yield and nutrient quality.
Sorghum, a warm-season annual forage, is gaining popularity among North Dakota producers, not just for its adaptability to the state's climate but also for its flexibility under prevent plant acreage rules.
These new rules have encouraged producers to utilize these acres more efficiently by allowing for the planting of crops that can be used as forage without affecting payment eligibility. This flexibility is vital for managing resources and supporting livestock nutrition effectively.
Rogers's ongoing research, which began in 2023, is part of a four-year study aiming to pinpoint the most effective planting dates for maximizing yield without sacrificing forage quality.
The study involves various sorghum-sudangrass mixtures and looks at how different planting dates—May 10, June 12, and July 26—affect both dry matter yield and nutrient content. Initial findings suggest that planting in June and July can significantly increase yields compared to early May plantings.
The research also explores the integration of different forage types, including Derry forage soybeans, to see how they perform in combination with sorghum-sudangrass. These mixtures are not only tested for their yield and nutrient content but also for their economic viability, with preliminary results indicating that sorghum-sudangrass stands out for its profitability.
As part of a broader goal, Rogers is interested in taking a more systemic approach to forage production, incorporating a variety of crops that can coexist with sorghum to meet the needs of livestock producers. This includes looking at ways to keep a living root in the soil throughout the year, contributing to soil health and sustainability.
This research is crucial for North Dakota's agricultural community, as it provides valuable insights into how to optimize forage production in a way that supports both economic and environmental sustainability.
Rogers's work emphasizes the importance of adapting agricultural practices to local conditions and highlights the potential of sorghum-sudangrass as a versatile and beneficial crop for the state's producers.
Photo Credit -istock-mailson-pignata
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Sorghum