Forage First Guide      I      Summer Select Guide

     

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    GrassLopata

    Sorghum x Sudangrass

    Best suited for summer/late summer seeding to take advantage of growing-degree-units for quick growth

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    Sorghum x Sudangrass cover crop is a summer annual grass with high biomass production and nitrogen scavenging properties

     

     

    CHARACTERISTICS:

    Non-Forage Benefits:
    1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

    Compaction Alleviation: 4
    Weed Suppression: 5
    Biomass Production: 5
    Erosion Control: 4
    Disease/Pest Control: 4
    Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
    P & K Cycling: 3
    Ease of Establishment: 4

    Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger

    Nutritional Value:
    Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

    Crude Protein: 16
    NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .70
    ADF%²: 29
    NDF%³: 55
    TDN: 55
    DM Tons/Acre: 5-8
    Days to First Harvest: 45-70
    Days to Next Harvest: 30

    ¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
    ²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
    ³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

    Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
    Graze: Good
    Baleage: Better
    Chop: Best

     

     

    SEEDING:

    Planting Time:
    May-July

    Seeding Rate:
    Mono (lbs./acre): 25-70
    Mix (lbs./acre): 5-20
    Forage (lbs./acre): 25-70
    Aerial (lbs./acre): NR

    Seeding Info:
    Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Leftover stalks- 80:1
    Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1½
    Seeds/lb.: 21,000
    Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 45
    Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated
    Germination Soil Temp.: 65 F
    USDA Hardiness Zone: Frost
    Days to Emergence: 10

     

     

    MANAGEMENT:

    Nitrate Toxicity is common when fertility or manure applications are followed by a period of drought or stress. Cut plants do not lessen in their nitrate levels as they cure. If high levels are suspected, forage should be tested for a period of a few weeks until levels subside. Though often linked to summer annual grasses, increased nitrate levels can show up in most cover crops and forages.

    • Nitrates are concentrated more in the lower stalk– raising cutting height can reduce the risk
    • When a stressful drought precedes a moisture event, it is recommended to delay harvest by 1-2 weeks
    • Consider split applications of nitrogen (especially useful on summer annuals) to decrease nitrate accumulations

    Prussic Acid poisoning can occur when feeding forage sorghums after periods of drought or other stress, including frost. Toxic levels dissipate usually after 2-3 weeks and will further decrease when ensiled. Prussic acid is most concentrated in new growth, so sorghum forages should not be grazed until they are at least 18 in. tall. Storing hay or silage for at least 30 days generally dissipates the concern.

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    • Best suited for summer/late summer seeding to take advantage of growing-degree-units for quick growth
    • Large root mass produced as it’s needed for withstanding heat and drought
    • Sown at even higher rates when used as forage, it makes a great weed suppressor
    • Well suited for multiple harvest systems
    • Excellent re-growth, drought tolerance and feed value