Cultivation

Sorghum plant population

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The optimal sorghum plant population depends on the intended use and the biological characteristics of the hybrid. For grain purposes, the rate is 110–220 thousand plants per hectare, while for silage, it is up to 300 thousand or more.

In the reference 12 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

Grain sorghum hybrids require a lower plant density to ensure the development of full panicles and to reduce intraspecific competition for moisture and nutrients. Early-maturing varieties, which are characterized by smaller panicle size, are sown at higher densities, whereas in arid conditions, the target population should be reduced to prevent water stress.

When calculating seeding rates, the planned plant mortality rate is taken into account, which is approximately 20% in field conditions due to soil temperature and seedbed quality. When selecting a sowing pattern, in addition to the standard 70 cm spacing, the use of narrow row spacing (45 or 30 cm) allows for optimized plant distribution across the area, which is particularly relevant when growing for green fodder.

General information about the subject — on the page Planting density.

Sources8

Varieties of Sorghum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.