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Waterville, Ohio

Curious to how many of you have planted Sudan Grass or Sorghum/Sudan Grass as a cover crop. I have 5 acres that was previously fallow last year with weeds that went out of control before purchasing the lot and clearing. I need a reasonable way to add O.M to a Sandy Loam soil and suppress what will be a future mess.
From what I’ve read 40-50lb/a seems to be a reasonable rate, however my only option is broadcast seeding. Is a decent crop from this type of seeding achievable?
Mow frequency seems to be along the lines of letting it grow to the 2-3’ range. Is the leftover stubble at seasons end a pain to incorporate?

4/16/2018 9:54:22 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Some farmers that I worked with around here grow it. Without mowing, it will get 8' to 10' tall and go to seed. Then it would be your weed crop next year. The seed dealer I buy from says you need soil temps above 60 for several days before planting. I have not grown it myself, but from what I have seen, the stubble could be quite tough. I wouldn't want to use a rotary tiller, but on 5 acres you could use regular farm equipment.

You might want to plow it under before it gets too late in the fall, and then plant a crop of rye. That will get the sudan breaking down over winter, and give you the weed control benefit of the rye. If you don't want to deal with killing the rye the following year, plow the sudan earlier and plant a mix of oats and groundhog radishes. That will put organic matter in the soil, on top of the soil and winter kill.

4/17/2018 12:43:35 AM