Can winter planted sorghum be successfully established at Mungindi?

Abstract

Key findings •The planting time for sorghum can be moved earlier than September when the traditional 16–18 °C soil temperature is reached. •Defining the minimum soil temperature required is tenuous as temperatures are variable in the late winter–early spring with the additional risk of mild and severe frosts. •Planting winter sorghum in late July–early August at Mungindi allowed successful crop establishment, but emergence was slower, and establishment was reduced compared with planting in September. •Based on results from experiments in other regions of northern NSW; winter planted sorghum achieves earlier flowering and harvest, which subsequently increases the fallow length to the next crop, allowing increased double cropping opportunities.