Cultivation

Sorghum Seeding Rate

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The seeding rate of sorghum is determined by the intended use of the crop, the water availability of the site, and the hybrid type. For grain hybrids, the optimal density is 120–220 thousand plants per hectare, while for silage hybrids it is 200–300 thousand plants or more.

In the reference 11 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

Sorghum is characterized by a differentiation of seeding rates based on its purpose: in conditions of moisture deficit, the density is reduced to minimize intraspecific competition, whereas on irrigated land it is increased to realize productive potential. The crop has the ability to tiller, which allows yield to be maintained at moderate stand densities, although excessively high seeding rates limit this biological trait.

When calculating the seeding rate in seeds per hectare, it is necessary to apply a correction for field germination, which is 15–35% lower than laboratory germination, and the projected plant loss during the growing season, which is within the range of 25–30%. By weight, the seeding rate is usually 6–12 kg per hectare, with early-maturing hybrids having a lower leaf area index often requiring a higher seeding density.

Unlike small-seeded cereals, wide-row seeding with row spacings of 45–70 cm is preferred for sorghum, especially in arid conditions where solid-stand seeding can reduce grain yield and regrowth of the ratoon crop. Precise adjustment of plant density directly depends on the biological characteristics of the specific hybrid and its potential for panicle formation.

General information about the subject — on the page Seeding rate.

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.