AS6501 BMR Sorghum x Sudangrass

Description

The photoperiod sensitive characteristic of AS6501 allows for a wide window of harvest and consistent quality in the growing season.  The BMR-6 characteristic increases feedstock utilization and efficiency.  AS6501 remains in a vegetative state when the plant receives at least 12 hours and 20 minutes of daily sunlight, allowing the greatest harvest flexibility.  Falling below this threshold, it begins booting.

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:  AS6501 should be planted after day length reaches 12 hours and 30 minutes and soil temperature should be 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.  AS6501 is usually harvest 70 days after emergence in a one cut system but be aware it will take longer if wilting and drying forage due to the higher tonnage.  See Tech sheet for further information and how to avoid nitrate and prussic acid poisoning from sorghum.