Sorghum cultivation is typically divided into two main seasons: spring and autumn. Spring planting usually begins around the end of March to mid-April, according to the lunar calendar. It's important not to plant too early, as low temperatures can slow down growth and increase the risk of cold damage. Autumn planting, on the other hand, is best done between late May and late June in the lunar calendar. Delaying planting may expose the crop to lower temperatures during its critical growth stages, which can affect development and delay maturity.
The general cultivation process includes several key steps:
**Soil Preparation:** Start by spreading compost over the field, then plow the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 cm (4 to 5 inches). Make sure to remove all weeds and level the ground. Create furrows about 4 to 50 cm apart, with each furrow being 6 cm deep.
**Seeding Rate:** The recommended seeding rate is approximately 15 to 20 kg per hectare. Seeds can be obtained from local agricultural associations or seed suppliers.
**Sowing Method:** There are two common sowing methods: broadcasting and drilling. Most farmers prefer drilling, where seeds are evenly placed in the furrows and covered with about 3 cm of soil.
**Fertilization Techniques:**
- **Spring and Autumn Crops:** Apply compost before plowing, then mix it into the soil. Use half of the phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium fertilizers as a base fertilizer before planting. The remaining half should be applied 30 days after sowing.
- **Perennial Root Cultivation:** After harvesting the main crop, apply half of the fertilizer 10 days later, and the rest 30 days after harvest. Ensure that the fertilizer is applied at least 10 to 15 cm away from the plants to avoid root burn.
**Field Management:**
- **Thinning Seedlings:** Around 20 to 25 days after sowing, when the seedlings reach 15 cm in height, perform the first thinning. A second thinning should be done when they reach 25 to 30 cm, leaving a spacing of about 10 cm between plants. Weak or missing plants can be removed and replanted elsewhere.
- **Intercultivation and Weeding:** Regular weeding is essential throughout the growing season, especially during the early stages. Cultivate the soil 2 to 3 times, and if using herbicides, apply them before germination.
- **Hilling Up:** After the first weeding, apply top dressing near the plants and mound soil around the stems to prevent lodging and support healthy growth.
- **Irrigation and Drainage:** Sorghum is drought-tolerant, but irrigation is necessary during critical periods such as young ear formation (around 35 days after sowing), grain filling (about 60 days after sowing), and milk ripening (around 75 days after sowing). During rainy seasons, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and reduce disease risks.
**Perennial (Regeneration) Cultivation:**
- **Cutting Stems:** After spring harvest, cut the stems just 1 to 2 cm above the ground. The sooner you cut, the better for regrowth.
- **Fertilization:** Follow the same fertilization schedule as described earlier, based on the type of crop and growth stage.
- **Bud Thinning:** After cutting, each plant may produce 2 to 5 buds. However, only keep two buds per plant. Remove excess buds promptly to conserve nutrients and promote stronger growth.
- **Other Practices:** All other management tasks—such as weeding, watering, and harvesting—are similar to standard sorghum cultivation techniques.
By following these detailed steps, farmers can optimize sorghum yields and ensure healthy, productive crops throughout the growing season.
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