Warm Season Annual
Sorghum sudangrass is an upright grass. Sorghum sudangrass is a hybrid between sorghum and sudangrass and has very vigour growth when summer nights are warm and moisture is not limiting. It is quite popular feed stock in the US. It helps loosen the soil if the tops are mowed or grazed, as it causes the plant to produce more roots. Because of the large biomass it produces, it does require adequate soil fertility. The deep dense root system give the plant excellent heat tolerance and good drought tolerance. Roots release a root exudate called sorgoleone, which is a powerful weed suppression chemical. Between that and the rapid growth, it does an excellent job of weed suppression. Under stress the plant will produce prussic acid, like sorghum. Prussic acid will breakdown naturally in the plant, but care needs to be taken. Salinity tolerance is similar to wheat, or moderate. Plants are usually high brix, making them very sweet to taste.
Seeds per pound: 16,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 0.4
Uses:
- Erosion control
- Soil builder
- Nitrogen scavenger
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Hay potential
Strengths:
- Quick biomass
- Some allelopathic properties
- Fast regrowth when nights are warm and adequate moisture
- Deep root system
Concerns:
Prussic acid, does not compete well in blends if seeded too early.
Grazing:
Good. Watch for prussic acid, from either climate stress or plants are short.
Hay:
Good. Produces very sweet plants. Prussic acid can be an issue.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
