Sorghum in the western zone – Row Configuration x Population x Hybrid – trial overview 2010–2013

Abstract

Key findings • In higher than average yielding seasons, the best sorghum yields were achieved from the narrowest row spacing (solid plant on 1.0 m). As the effective row spacing widened, final grain yields were reduced. • Establishing plant populations of 50–70,000 plants/ha helped maximise yields, Lower plant populations were not able to produce the highest yields. • The hybrids with a moderate to high level of tillering produced the highest yields in all three seasons. Under these above average conditions, the low tillering hybrid produced lower yields. • As the most common practice in this environment is the double skip configuration, growers have in some cases sacrificed up to 40% of their potential yield through maintaining this 'safe and low' risk planting configuration in the 2010–2013 summer crop seasons.