Sorghum is a grain crop cultivated throughout Ukraine. The plant prefers bright and warm conditions: germination temperature should not be lower than +12 °C, optimal growth is achieved at 30–35 °C, and the vegetative period ranges from 115 to 140 days. Plant height varies from 60 cm to 200 cm, with 1000-seed mass of 28–32 g. Grains can be red or white and contain about 11% protein, 4.5% fat, and 79% carbohydrates, of which 70% are starch. Vitamins of group B and minerals make sorghum a valuable source of nutrients for both humans and livestock.
The crop is characterized by high drought resistance and can withstand moderate soil salinity. This makes it suitable for cultivation on various soil types – from chernozems to chestnut layers. To increase yield, pre-sowing seed treatment with a fungicide is recommended, as well as the application of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers depending on the soil type. During planting, a harrow roller is used, followed by inter-row harrowing; herbicides are applied as needed for weed control.
Sorghum is widely used both in the food industry and in agriculture. Grains are used to produce cereals, starch, flour, and feed masses – silage and ensilage. Hybrid varieties such as «Druzhny» have high biomass yield (1200–1400 c/ha), rapid growth, and resistance to lodging and diseases. The recommended sowing density is 180–250 thousand plants/ha, and harvest is carried out when leaves dry out to 27–30% dry matter for obtaining quality silage.
