Description
AS6401 has a long season in the South (100 days to bloom). This extends the harvest window and allows AS6401 to be used where photoperiod sensitivity hybrids (AS6501) are not effective. In northern regions, AS6401 will bloom at approximately 65 days. Due to its tropical genetics, AS6401 has better re-growth in wet or humid conditions. AS6401 is also highly disease resistant and would be our first choice is manure is going to be applied between cuttings.
BMR-6: BMR-6 sorghums have less lignin than conventional sorghums and are extremely palatable. The high digestibility rivals corn silage as the choice for improved animal performance.
For the best quality and yield under a multi-cut program, harvest at 40 days or 40″ of growth. Mechanical harvesters should be set to leave 2 nodes or 6″ of stubble, whichever is higher. Sharp blades provide for a clean cut and enhance re-growth. Harvesting at this height will promote more rapid re-growth. At the latest, harvest when 50% of the plants have reached the flag leaf stage for a one cut program. Under a one cut program, cutting height can be lowered to maximize yields. Opening the swather for a wide windrow promotes drying.
If grazing, cattle should be turned in at approximately 24″ of growth, and grazing should be stopped when height is reduced to 6″ to promote rapid and adequate re-growth.
Suggested seeding rates: In the Midwest, 30-40 lbs/acre
Approx. seeds/lb.: 13-15,000
Seeding depth: Drill 1″ deep in a firm, moist and warm seedbed.
Preferred soils: Medium to lighter soils that are well drained. Do not plant in high pH soils. See tech sheet for more information.
Establishment: AS6401 should be planted after soil temperature are at least 60 degrees F.
Management: Under favorable growing conditions, apply 1-1.25 lbs. of Nitrogen (N) per day of planned growth. We would recommend harvesting at 40 days for easier and faster wilting of forage and doing haylage in-a-day. See Tech sheet for further information and how to avoid nitrate and prussic acid poisoning from sorghum.
