Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolorChromosome Number: 2n = 20
Origin:
Rabi sorghum (also known as winter sorghum) is believed to have originated in Africa, specifically in the regions of Ethiopia and Sudan.
Geographical Distribution:
Rabi sorghum is grown in several countries across the world, including India, China, Australia, the United States, and parts of Africa. It is primarily cultivated in regions with a subtropical and tropical climate.
Economic Importance:
Rabi sorghum has significant economic importance as a food and fodder crop. It is primarily used for grain production, which can be used for human consumption or as animal feed. The crop is also important for its ability to withstand drought conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Rabi sorghum thrives in a wide range of soils, from sandy to heavy clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. As for climatic requirements, the crop is adapted to warm temperatures and is relatively drought-tolerant. It can withstand temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) for germination and growth.
Seed Rate:
The recommended seed rate for rabi sorghum is around 12-15 kilograms per hectare.
Spacing:
For rabi sorghum, a row-to-row spacing of 45-60 centimeters and plant-to-plant spacing of 10-15 centimeters is generally followed.
Seed Treatment:
Seeds of rabi sorghum can be treated with a fungicide to protect against seed-borne diseases. Treatment with appropriate fungicides helps in ensuring better germination and healthy crop establishment.
Varieties:
There are several varieties of rabi sorghum available, and the suitable variety may vary depending on the specific region and requirements. Some popular varieties of rabi sorghum in India include CSV 18R, CSV 19R, CSV 20R, and SPV 1777.
Cultural Practices:
Rabi sorghum, also known as winter sorghum, is a crop that is cultivated during the winter season in regions with a predominantly dry climate. It is primarily grown for its grain, which is used for various purposes such as food, animal feed, and industrial applications. While cultural practices can vary depending on specific geographical regions and farming techniques, here are some common cultural practices associated with the cultivation of rabi sorghum:
1. Land Preparation: Before planting rabi sorghum, the land is prepared by plowing, harrowing, and leveling the field. This helps in removing weeds, loosening the soil, and creating a suitable seedbed for planting.
2. Seed Selection: High-quality seeds are selected for sowing rabi sorghum. The seeds should be healthy, disease-free, and have good germination capacity.
3. Sowing: Rabi sorghum seeds are sown in rows or broadcasting method. The recommended sowing time may vary depending on the specific region and climate. Generally, sowing takes place between October and November.
4. Spacing: Proper spacing between sorghum plants is important to ensure optimum plant growth and yield. The recommended spacing for rabi sorghum is typically 30-45 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between plants.
5. Fertilization: Adequate soil fertility is essential for the healthy growth of rabi sorghum. Soil testing is often done to determine the nutrient requirements. Based on the results, appropriate fertilizers are applied, primarily nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other essential micronutrients.
6. Irrigation: Rabi sorghum requires regular and adequate water supply for optimal growth. Depending on the availability of water resources, irrigation methods such as furrow irrigation, drip irrigation, or sprinkler irrigation may be employed
7. Weed Control: Weeds compete with sorghum plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Manual weeding, mechanical methods like hoeing, or herbicides may be used to control weeds in rabi sorghum fields.
8. Pest and Disease Management: Rabi sorghum is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, shoot fly, stem borer, grain mold, and rust. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices are employed to control pests, including cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Similarly, disease-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and proper hygiene practices are implemented to minimize the incidence of diseases.
9. Harvesting: Rabi sorghum is harvested when the grains reach physiological maturity. The crop is cut at the base using sickles or mechanized harvesters. After harvesting, the crop is dried in the field or in a well-ventilated area to reduce moisture content.
10. Threshing and Winnowing: Once dried, the sorghum plants are threshed to separate the grains from the stalks. Traditional methods include beating the crop against a hard surface or using animals to trample over it. Winnowing is then performed to separate the grain from chaff by exposing them to wind or using mechanical devices.
11. Storage: Proper storage techniques are employed to protect the harvested grains from pests, moisture, and fungal infestations. Common storage methods include using airtight containers, silos, or applying appropriate pesticides to prevent spoilage.
Yield:
The yield of rabi sorghum can vary depending on various factors such as variety, soil fertility, management practices, and weather conditions. On average, rabi sorghum can yield around 1,500 to 2,500 kilograms per hectare. However, with improved cultivation practices, higher yields can be achieved.
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