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Sweet sorghum cultivation techniques
Sweet sorghum stalks are highly valued for their high sugar content and versatile applications. The grains can be consumed as food, used as animal feed, or even brewed into alcoholic beverages. The stems serve as raw materials for sugar production, winemaking, vinegar, and papermaking. Additionally, the silage is widely used as livestock feed, which is why sweet sorghum is often referred to as a "triple crop" due to its multiple uses. In recent years, sweet sorghum has experienced rapid development in China, particularly in regions like Beijing, Tianjin, and Henan, where it has become a key feed crop in agricultural practices.
Here are the main cultivation techniques that ensure optimal growth and productivity:
1. **Soil Preparation and Base Fertilizer**: Sweet sorghum seeds are small, and the seedlings grow slowly at first, requiring more water and nutrients later on. Therefore, the land must be deeply plowed, leveled, and finely tilled. Weeds should be removed, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to mix with the soil and maintain moisture levels.
2. **Timely Sowing**: Proper sowing time and depth are crucial. Sweet sorghum has a long growing season, so planting must occur early enough to allow full maturity before the first frost. The ideal sowing depth is around 3.3 cm.
3. **Early Thinning to Promote Single Stalk Growth**: Sweet sorghum varieties have strong tillering ability, producing 2–3 or more side shoots. If not removed early, these tillers can compete with the main stem, leading to weak growth, delayed maturity, and reduced sugar content. Removing tillers promptly helps the main stem develop strongly and produce more grains.
4. **Appropriate Planting Density**: Sweet sorghum grows tall with lush foliage, so planting density should be controlled. A density of 5,000–6,000 plants per mu (about 667 square meters) is generally recommended.
5. **Careful Management During Seedling Stage**: The seedling stage is slow, and the plant has a long growth cycle. Regular weeding, soil loosening, and proper watering are essential to ensure healthy and rapid growth.
6. **Water and Fertilizer Management**: Apply base fertilizer with a focus on phosphorus to help accumulate sugar. Excessive nitrogen during the middle to late stages should be avoided, as it may cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce sugar content. Topdressing with nitrogen can be done during the jointing stage, depending on soil fertility and plant condition. About 30 kg of nitrogen per mu is usually sufficient. Watering should be shallow, and irrigation should be done before rain if possible.
7. **Pest Control**: Although sweet sorghum is resistant to many diseases, its high sugar content makes it vulnerable to pests like borers and locusts. Borer infestation can cause stalks to fall and juice discoloration, while locusts damage leaves and reduce photosynthesis, lowering sugar content. Early and consistent pest control is vital for high yield and quality.
8. **Timely Harvesting**: The peak sugar content in the stalks coincides with grain maturity. Once the grains are mature, the plants should be harvested promptly to maximize both stalk volume and sugar content. Delayed harvesting may lead to a decline in sugar levels due to plant death or frost damage.
By following these cultivation techniques, farmers can achieve higher yields and better quality sweet sorghum, making it a valuable crop in sustainable agriculture.