I have been getting more calls about grain sorghum, as folks consider options for planting into ground treated with corn herbicides or where nitrogen levels are high enough to make soybeans not feasible (our research indicates lower nodulation at N rates of 50 lbs or more at soybean planting). Milo has some advantages over corn this late- it can be planted up to early June without substantial yield penalty, it is a terrific residue producer/soil builder with a dense fibrous root system and once established can tolerate dry weather more easily than corn. Also, without irrigation a milo crop would cost less to produce than corn in a lower yield environment (i.e. May planting). Some points to consider:
- Do not plant sorghum following a Leadoff burndown. Sorghum is sensitive to rimsulfuron, the active ingredient in Resolve and Leadoff. Milo needs good soil moisture to germinate. Once established it can be pretty tolerant of dry weather but high yields require good soil moisture at heading.
- Seedlings are delicate compared to corn and seeds should not be planted much deeper than 1 inch (maybe 1.5″ to moisture).
- Manage plant population to allow for sturdy stalks and tillers. Data suggests that a final population of 60K to 80K per acre is adequate regardless of row spacing. In droughty fields target 60K to 70K final stand.
- Adjust seed drop rate for percent germination to get targeted stand. Adjust up slightly for no-till if soil conditions are not ideal at planting.
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70,000 sds/A 80,000 sds/A 90,000 sds/A 100,000 sds/A Row Width Equivalent Seeds per ft of Row at Planting 15” 2.0 2.3 2.6 2.9 30” 4.0 4.6 5.2 5.7 - Plant up to June 1 for best yields. Older data suggests about 1 bushel reduction in yield per day after May 20 until about June 15. Also, grain from June planted sorghum is typically wetter at harvest.
- Midge and worm pests are more problematic the later sorghum is planted.
- More information about sorghum production in the mid-south can be found at utcrops.com under Grain Sorghum Resources.
