Sorghum, or Sudan grass, is an annual grass plant from the sorghum family widely used in agriculture for fodder purposes. It is characterized by rapid growth, reaching heights up to three meters and forming 3 to 30 erect stems. The root system is fleshy and deep, capable of penetrating the soil to a depth of up to 2.5 meters, which ensures good drought resistance and contributes to the effective absorption of nutrients. Sudan grass is heat-loving and cannot tolerate frost; seedlings die at temperatures below -3 °C, while the optimal temperature for seed germination is +9...+10 °C. The plant has a long growing season, which usually ranges from 100 to 120 days. At the beginning of growth, sorghum develops slowly, but then the growth rate reaches 7-8 cm per day. The best yields are achieved on chernozems, dark chestnut, and gray podzolic soils, as well as on weakly saline lands. Cultivation on acidic and waterlogged soils is impossible. Green mass yield varies depending on growing conditions and can range from 230 to 800 centners per hectare, while hay yield ranges from 65 to 77 centners per hectare. With irrigation, yield significantly increases. Sudan grass is widely used as feed for cattle, sheep, and horses due to its high protein and protein content, making it a valuable source of nutrients. Additionally, sorghum is used as green fertilizer and a cover crop, often mixed with legumes, which contributes to improving soil structure and increasing its fertility. The seed sowing rate ranges from 100 to 150 grams per hundred square meters, or 30-35 kg per hectare, at a sowing depth of 3-5 cm. Due to its high productivity and resistance to unfavorable conditions, sorghum is an effective and versatile plant for agricultural use.
