AS9301 BMR Sudangrass is a BMR-6 hybrid sudangrass. The BMR-6 characteristic adds high quality to a plant that has fine stems and quick re-growth. This hybrid will dry down fast so it can be used in areas where putting up dry sudangrass hay is difficult.
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. AS9301 is usually harvested 45 to 55 days after emergence. Protein will decline as harvest is delayed. Opening the swather for a wide windrow promotes drying.
If grazing, cattle should be turned in at approximately 18″ of growth, and grazing should be stopped when height is reduced to 4″ to promote rapid and adequate re-growth.
Seeding rates: In the Midwest, 20-30 lbs/acre
Approx. seeds/lb.: 21-24,000 (see bag for details)
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: AS9301 BMR Sudangrass should be planted after soil temperature reaches at least 60° F and is climbing.
Management: Under favorable growing conditions, apply 1-1.25 lbs. of Nitrogen (N) per day of planned growth. Reduce nitrogen rates for less than optimum growing conditions. Potassium levels should be kept up, particularly if the soil pH is lower than 6.2. 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.