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Sweet sorghum cultivation involves several key steps to ensure a successful harvest. First, selecting the right variety is crucial. Choose sweet sorghum that thrives in irrigated conditions, with rich organic matter and deep soil. This type of sorghum has smaller grains and weaker top-soil coverage, making it ideal for better seedling emergence.
Next, apply base fertilizer based on soil fertility. Fertile land may require less, while barren land needs more. A typical recommendation is 4,000 kg of farmyard manure per acre, along with 10 kg of urea or 30 kg of compound fertilizer applied in the planting furrow and mixed into the subsoil.
Sowing time depends on local climate and variety. A ten-day average temperature of 13°C is a good indicator for sowing. In northern China, this usually occurs around mid-April. Sowing too early risks cold damage, while sowing too late may lead to underdeveloped plants. In southern China, two crops per year are possible, with the first crop planted between late March and early April for higher yields.
The sowing rate should be between 500 and 750 grams per acre. Use a wheat seeder or sow manually, ensuring a depth of 2–4 cm, with clay soils requiring a shallower depth.
For planting density, early-maturing varieties can be spaced at 20 cm by 60 cm, resulting in about 5,556 plants per acre, while late-maturing types use 20 cm by 70 cm spacing, totaling approximately 4,762 plants per acre.
Transplanting seedlings is an effective method when there's a shortage of growing time, especially after wheat harvest. Start seedlings 20–30 days before transplanting, using a seeding rate 2.5 times the number of desired plants. Transplant when seedlings have 5–6 leaves, trimming the tips to reduce water loss and ensuring the white-green junction is buried in the soil.
If some seedlings fail due to poor germination or pests, fill in the gaps with additional seedlings. Apply a small amount of water and fertilizer to help them catch up with the rest of the crop.
Thinning is essential to promote strong growth. Remove weak seedlings at the 2–3 leaf stage, and space them properly at the 4–5 leaf stage. Sweet sorghum often produces tillers, which should be removed if grown for sugar or wine, but not if used as green feed. Adjust sowing density accordingly to avoid lodging.
Cultivating the soil during the seedling stage helps warm the soil, control weeds, and improve moisture retention. A second cultivation at the 4–6 leaf stage promotes deeper root growth, while a third is done 10–15 days later. Form ridges between rows to enhance root development and prevent lodging.
Fertilization should be tailored to soil conditions. Apply more phosphorus and potassium as base fertilizer, and use nitrogen early but not in excess to maintain juice quality. Top-dressing should be done in combination with soil cultivation, using slightly more fertilizer than for corn.
Irrigation is important for high yield, especially during critical growth stages. Avoid overwatering, but ensure sufficient moisture during the booting and flowering periods, when water demand is highest. In most parts of China, the rainy season aligns with the vigorous growth period, offering favorable conditions.
Pest control is essential. Aphids are common, especially in dry, hot years. Use imidacloprid for control, but avoid organophosphorus pesticides as they can harm the plant. If aphids enter the stalk, carbofuran can be used. After earing, continue using imidacloprid to protect the panicles.
Regenerative sweet sorghum allows for two harvests per season. The second crop yields about 80% of the first, with a shorter growth period. Harvest the first crop promptly, leave 3–5 cm of the stalk above ground, and apply fertilizer immediately. Select strong buds and manage soil to prevent lodging.
Birds can cause significant damage, especially to young seeds. Cover the heads with plastic or nylon bags to deter them, though this may need to be repeated as birds learn to break through.
Harvest when the lower ears reach the wax ripening stage. Leaves continue to photosynthesize after harvest, so stalks should be cut 5–7 days after heading for optimal sugar content. In colder regions, cut stalks at harvest time to avoid frost damage.