1. The influence of planting date on the growth potential of different Fodder Sorghum cultivars on the Mpumalanga Highveld.
Lesego Bodibe1 *, Norman Magoro1, Jan Theron1 and Prof C. Dannhauser
1Department of Agriculture and Land Administration
Nooitgedacht ADC, Private Bag X 9019, Ermelo 2350
2Department of Plant Production, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus)
Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727
BACKGROUND
Natural grazing lands (veld) constitute the main feed resource for livestock in South Africa. With the steady decrease in the grazing area as well as the properties of sourveld, the use of alternative fodder becomes increasingly important on the highveld. Fodder Sorghum is used as an alternative pasture for grazing, silage, green chop and hay.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted in the Mpumalanga Province at Nooitgedacht Agricultural Development Centre.
The three factors that were studied are:
Cultivars: Piper, Kow Kandy, Sentop, Jumbo,Everlush, Revolution, Bundle King
Pacesetter, Sugargraze, Honeygraze Sweet n Honey, Dairy Master,
Dominator, Liberty, Enforcer
Planting dates: 15 December 2006,
15 January 2007,
15 February 2007
Cutting stages: Six weeks intervals after planting
At grazing stage (70-80cm)
At silage stage
INTRODUCTION Fodder Sorghum is widely grown in South Africa as an annual summer forage to supplement pasture production for sheep, beef and dairy cattle.
A number of sorghum cultivars are available commercially, and periodically some cultivars are added while others are withdrawn from the market. The potential yield figures and the nutritive value of these Fodder Sorghum cultivars are generally not known.
RESULTS
The total production of Fodder Sorghum cultivars planted on different dates and utilized at three different stages is illustrated in the figures below.
CONCLUSION
The highest production was achieved on the plots planted on the 20 December. For the February planting date, germination was 80% but the plants did not manage to survive the frost. As results there was no production. The highest cumulative (total) production was obtained on the silage stage as compared to the six weeks and grazing utilization stages. The top 5 (highest) producers were: Sentop, Jumbo, Kow Kandy, Sugergraze and Revolution. Different planting date seems to be a good strategy for improving yield distribution.
AIM
To investigate the suitable planting date of the Fodder Sorghum cultivars to provide sound solutions to overcome a nutritional shortfall in the dormant season for farmers in the medium to high rainfall areas of South Africa (Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal).