When is sorghum planted?

There are many kinds of grain crops in China. Perhaps everyone is more familiar with wheat and rice , but sorghum is also an important grain crop that can be sown in spring or autumn. Let’s learn together when to sow sorghum.

When is sorghum planted?

Spring sowing is usually from the end of March to mid-April of the lunar calendar to avoid slow growth and cold wave risks caused by low temperatures due to early sowing; autumn sowing is chosen from late May to late June of the lunar calendar to avoid late sowing that affects the crop growth cycle and maturity.

Sorghum cultivation method

The cultivation process of sorghum mainly includes the following steps:

Land preparation: First, spread the base fertilizer evenly on the cultivated land , then plow it 12 to 15 cm deep to ensure that the soil is well broken up, free of weeds, and harrowed. Next, dig 4 to 6 cm deep planting trenches with a row spacing of 50 cm.

Seeding rate: The seeding rate per mu is about 1 to 1.5 kg.

Sowing method: Sowing is mainly carried out by row sowing. The seeds are evenly sown in the planting furrow and then covered with about 3 cm thick soil.

Fertilization: Apply 2000 to 3000 kg of organic fertilizer , 15 to 25 kg of superphosphate, and 10 to 20 kg of potash fertilizer per mu as base fertilizer. The topdressing strategy is to apply heavy fertilizer at the beginning and light fertilizer at the end, with emphasis on applying jointing fertilizer and light application of heading fertilizer. When two-thirds of the leaves are unfolded, apply 5 to 8 kg of potassium fertilizer and 40 kg of ammonium carbon per mu.

Sorghum Field Management

Thinning and replanting: 20 to 25 days after sowing, the first thinning is carried out when the seedlings are 15 cm tall; the second thinning is carried out when the seedlings are 25 to 30 cm tall, and the final plant spacing is maintained at about 10 cm. When there are missing plants, you can select healthy seedlings from the thinned seedlings for replanting.

Intertillage and weeding: Depending on the growth of weeds, intertillage and weeding should be carried out 2 to 3 times during the growth period of sorghum. Especially in the early stage, the weeds should be removed thoroughly to avoid affecting the growth of sorghum. Herbicides should be sprayed after sowing and before germination.

Soil cultivation: After the first tillage and weeding, apply topdressing fertilizer next to the plants and build up soil around the stems of the plants to prevent lodging and promote growth.

Irrigation and drainage: Although sorghum is drought-resistant, appropriate irrigation is crucial when drought occurs during the ear formation and milk maturity stages. In rainy seasons, it is necessary to drain stagnant water in time to prevent pests and diseases and extend the maturity period.

The above is an introduction to the sowing time of sorghum. In addition to determining the appropriate sowing time, sorghum cultivation methods and field management are also very important. Mastering these can ensure the yield of sorghum.