ZEMLYACHKA

Sudan grass variety "Zemlyachka" is a high-yielding and lodging-resistant fodder material developed in 2005 by FGBNU "North Caucasian Federal Scientific Agricultural Center" through selection of morphologically close forms from a hybrid population obtained by open pollination of Sudan grass varieties (Mironovskaya 10, Novinka) and sugar sorghum Stavropol 36. The plants have an upright tassel habitus with a height of 250–280 cm at seed maturity, medium bushiness (3 to 5 stems), and a cylindrical dry-stem stalk with 7–8 internodes. Leaves are large, up to 65 cm long and 4.5 cm wide, drooping, and bright green.

"Zemlyachka" is characterized by high intensity of initial growth and excellent regrowth after mowing, allowing harvesting for green fodder 8–12 days before heading. Average yield for two cuts is about 45–50 t/ha of green mass, and hay yield is 9–11 t/ha. Seed yield reaches 2 t/ha. The variety belongs to the mid-early maturing group: the period from emergence to the first cut is 55–60 days, and from the first to the second cut is 45–50 days.

Sudan grass "Zemlyachka" is widely used as fresh feed for cattle, horses, and sheep due to its mild taste and pleasant aroma. The green mass contains a large amount of nutrients – sugars, proteins, ash, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it is used in the production of silage and hay; up to five cuts can be made in one season, and more than 100 centners of grass can be harvested per hectare.