Latest Key Technical Points for Sorghum Field Management

Sorghum is one of the more common grain crops. It is generally planted in the north and is relatively rare in the south. China has an extremely long history of sorghum cultivation, and the cultivation techniques are also relatively well developed. During planting and management, if high yield is to be achieved, field management is especially important, so how should sorghum field management be done? Come and take a look at the detailed introduction with the editor.

1. Intertillage and earthing up

Intertillage and earthing up are work we must do when planting crops. This is because after crops are planted, as nutrients and water are continuously absorbed, or because of the soil texture, the soil will gradually become compacted into clods, thereby affecting the normal growth of crops and affecting yield. So at this time intertillage is needed to loosen the soil so that crops can grow normally. Throughout the entire growth period of sorghum, intertillage should be carried out 2-3 times according to the actual growth situation, generally starting the first intertillage after planting and maturity. Sorghum has a relatively deep root system, so deep intertillage can be carried out, but care must be taken not to damage the root system. When sorghum grows to a certain height, lodging will occur, and earthing up at this time can prevent lodging.

2. Weeding

When planting sorghum, weeds will definitely appear in the field. Weeds have strong vitality and will seize soil nutrients, water, and the growth space of sorghum. This leads to a decline in soil fertility, affects the growth and development of sorghum, and too many weeds can also easily breed diseases and insect pests, causing great harm. Sorghum seedlings are relatively weak, and weeds are about the same size as the seedlings. If they are not removed in time, the seedling survival rate will be low, so weeding should be carried out early. At the seedling stage, pull out weeds whenever they are seen. At the seedling stage, manual weeding is recommended, because using insecticides may harm seedling growth.

3. Topdressing

Sorghum needs a large amount of nutrients during growth, and the soil's own fertility cannot supply its growth. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer before planting, reasonable topdressing is also needed according to the growth situation, variety, and other conditions of sorghum. For example, if sufficient fertilizer was applied when transplanting seedlings, then no topdressing is needed at the regreening stage, while during the jointing and heading stage sorghum has a relatively large fertilizer requirement, so heavy application is needed at this time. Generally during this period, topdressing should be done twice: one heavy application of jointing fertilizer, accounting for two-thirds of the total topdressing amount; and one light application of booting fertilizer, accounting for one-third. At this time, attention should be paid to applying less nitrogen fertilizer and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.

Pests and diseases are one of the main factors affecting sorghum yield and quality. When pests and diseases are severe, there may be no harvest at all, seriously affecting farmers' income. When preventing and controlling pests and diseases, prevention should be the main approach, and control should be timely, observing the growth situation of sorghum. Once diseased plants are found, they should be pulled out in time and taken out of the field for destruction, and the diseased holes should be disinfected well. If large-area infection is found, it should be handled in time, determine the suitable pest or disease, and promptly spray the corresponding pesticide for control.

The above is an introduction to the key points of sorghum field management. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.