Optimising sorghum production, Moree 2020–2021

Abstract

Key findings • Establishing sorghum at soil temperatures cooler than the commercial standard, and recommended 16–18 °C, is a viable option to move flowering and grain fill periods earlier. • Targeting soil temperatures of greater than 12°C for the seven days after planting, and planting into good seedbed moisture are critical for even establishment. • The earliest planting date (PD), PD1, moved the flowering window forward by three weeks compared with planting at the recommended soil temperature (PD3). • PD1 and PD2 moved the harvest period earlier by two weeks. • PD2 provided the optimum combination of a rapid, even establishment, earlier flowering and earlier harvest at this site. Grain yields were reduced by an unseasonable heat wave at the end of November. • Planting date affected grain yields, reducing as planting was delayed. • Grain test weight levels responded to varying plant populations. Lower plant populations produced higher test weights and lower screenings %.