Performance of dual-purpose sorghum varieties under different planting dates and fertility levels

Abstract:

Sorghum grown for grain alone leaves behind a large volume of stover that dairy farmers value almost as much as the grain itself - yet most agronomic recommendations are optimised for grain yield only. A split-plot field experiment was conducted during rainy season 2022 and 2023 at Wad Medani to evaluate three dual-purpose sorghum varieties (CSV 15, CSH 16, SPV 2217) across three planting dates (June 15, July 1, July 15) and three fertility levels (60:30:30, 90:45:45, and 120:60:60 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O ha⁻¹). SPV 2217 planted on July 1 at the highest fertility recorded the maximum grain yield (40.1 q ha⁻¹) and stover yield (82.1 q ha⁻¹), while late planting (July 15) reduced grain yield by 18-24% across varieties. The interaction between variety and fertility was significant for both grain and stover. These results indicate that SPV 2217 at 120:60:60 fertility, planted in the first week of July, offers the best combined grain-plus-fodder output for the Gezira irrigated scheme region.