Cultivation

Sorghum Silage and Haylage

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The use of sorghum for forage depends on its morphotype: grain and sweet sorghum are primarily used for silage, whereas sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are suitable for both silage and multi-cut haylage.

In the reference 66 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

The forage harvesting method is determined by the crop type: grain sorghum is ensiled due to the high energy value of its panicles, sweet sorghum is valued for its high sugar content, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids allow for multiple cuts of haylage per season. The technology requires mowing at a stubble height of 12–14 cm, as the high moisture content in the lower parts of the stem complicates fermentation if cut too low.

Sorghum is an easily ensiled crop with sugar content reaching 12–18% in early phases. The optimal harvest stage for silage is the milk-wax maturity. For haylage from sudangrass, wilting in windrows to 45–55% moisture with mandatory crimping is applied, while for grain haylage, harvesting is practiced at the beginning of wax maturity with a grain moisture content of 35–40%.

The crop compares favorably to maize due to its drought tolerance and efficient water use. An important biological aspect is the risk of hydrocyanic acid accumulation following stress conditions, such as drought or frost; however, the risk of poisoning is significantly reduced during the fermentation process when ensiling and haylage-making are performed correctly.

General information about the subject — on the page Silage and haylage.

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.