Sweet Forever: BMR Sorg x Sud UN (Hybrid)

Sorghum-sudangrass is a rapid growing and very versatile, summer annual species with a very large, penetrating root system. The brown midrib (BMR) is a genetic mutation that results in a forage with a reduced lignin content, increased protein content and higher palatability than non-BMR sorghum-sudangrass varieties. Rate of animal gains are significantly increased when animals graze BMR varieties. Sorghum-sudangrass has a larger stem, less leaf area and produces more biomass than sudangrass. This species can produce more OM/A at a lower cost than any other cover crop species being utilized. During drought conditions sorghum-sudangrass has the greatest potential to be utilized for an emergency forage crop. Mowing or grazing only encourages more tillering and stimulates root growth, which aids in getting more carbon into the soil profile therefore build soil structure and OM.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

The dense rooting system associated with this species, can really aid in breaking up and penetrating compacted soils. Nematode suppression is achieved because this species is a poor host for many nematodes and nematicidal chemical compounds are excreted by the plant through its roots. Mowing when the plants are 3-4 ft tall has been shown to stimulate root growth to expand 5-8 times as dense and penetrate twice as deep. Sorgoleone is powerful root exudate released by the plant, which even in low concentrations has proven to be more effective than commercial herbicides in weed control. This chemical can be released just five days after germination but is greatly released when chemically killed, with the effects lasting for weeks. Under ideal conditions, forage can be harvested within 60 days after planting. If you leave 6-8" of growth from the first harvest then you could expect a second cutting 30 days later. There are sterile cultivars available to eliminate weed risk potential.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

In BMR varieties, the reduced lignin in the plant structure increases the potential for lodging, reduces stem strength and cause a yield drag on seed production. Proper management is vital for this species when being utilized as a forage, to protect the welfare of the animals. If you are grazing, find cultivars that are known to produce low amounts of dhurrin because this is the chemical that is responsible for prussic acid. High amounts of prussic acid can be lethal to livestock and is a major concern when the forage is small, stressed or during the first hard frost event. Don't allow the animals to graze the forage until the forage has reached 18-36" in height. For the first hard frost event, no grazing or forage harvesting should occur until a week after the exposure because this releases a large flush of prussic acid and it will need a short time to dissipate from the forage. During drought conditions prussic acid could be a concern but you really need to watch for nitrate toxicity in the forage. The thick stems associated with this species, can be very difficult to dry down for hay production. The large amounts of high carbon residue needs to be managed properly to reduce the risk of N tie-up.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Sorghum-sudangrass will grow best is a well drained, fertile soil with hot, moist weather patterns. Soils from poorly drained to excessively drained and low fertility can support this species but with reduced results. This species excellent drought and heat tolerance can be partially attributed to the fact that it can go dormant until the weather conditions become more favorable for further growth. Supplemental N is highly suggested at 75-100 lbs/A to achieve sufficient growth but this needs to be watched to insure that the nitrate levels are not excessive in the forage. When compared to corn its able to take on dry weather conditions better because it has twice as many secondary roots and supports half the leaf area. Sorghum-sudangrass doesn't have much tolerance for shade, ponding or flooding and has zero tolerance for frost.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent