Sugargraze, a sorghum variant, offers a resilient solution to fodder scarcity, particularly in drought-prone regions where traditional crops like maize and napier grass struggle to thrive. Its adaptability to various soil conditions, including low-fertility soils, positions it as a dependable fodder source when other options falter.
Noteworthy is sugargraze’s impressive yield potential, with an acre yielding up to 40 metric tonnes of forage, surpassing alternatives like maize. Unlike maize, sugargraze maintains green lower leaves throughout maturity, preserving a higher crude protein content essential for livestock nutrition.
Another advantage lies in sugargraze’s ability to ratoon, allowing for a second harvest with reduced costs in land preparation, seed procurement, and replanting. Although the second crop may yield slightly less, it offers a cost-effective solution for continuous fodder production.
The late-flowering sorghum cultivar boasts a high sugar content (Brix 16-18%), providing superior energy to livestock. Its excellent ensiling quality facilitates the production of high-quality silage, minimizing feed wastage due to its palatability.
For successful establishment, sugargraze requires a seed rate of 5kg per acre in heavy black soils and 6kg on light soils, planted at a depth of 5-6cm in soils with a preferred pH range of 5.5-7.0. Soil tests are recommended to ascertain nutrient deficiencies for tailored fertilization strategies.
To optimize growth, phosphatic fertilizer application at a rate of N-30kg/acre, P-2Kg/acre during planting is advised, with nitrogenous top dressing at the third week post-establishment for sustained growth and regeneration.
Harvesting maturity occurs approximately 75-90 days after flowering for green forage and 85 days for dry forage. Ratoon crops mature faster, ready for harvest in just 50-60 days post the first cut, with a 6-8 inch stalk left above ground to facilitate immediate regeneration for subsequent cuts.
Sugargraze remains harvestable for up to one and a half years before necessitating replacement, providing an extended period of dependable fodder supply for livestock farmers.
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