Introduction to Major Field Crops

Sowing

Time of Sowing
Sorghum is sown thrice in a year. In north it is sown in kharif and summer and in west and south besides kharif, rabi crop is also taken. Kharif sorghum is generally sown with the onset of monsoon. Late sown crop is susceptible to shoot fly and midge. Dry sowing just before onset of monsoon is the best. Rabi crop of sorghum should be sown around middle of September. Summer sorghum is mainly raised for fodder and crop is generally sown in March-April in north India. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka summer crop is sown in January-February under irrigated conditions.

Seed Rate and Spacing
Sorghum crop is sown at 45 x 12 cm using 9-10 kg seeds/ha.

Method of Sowing
Crop is sown with country plough; however seed cum fertilizer drill is efficient. Sowing sorghum in ridge and furrow system is recommended in low rainfall areas. Generally, the depth of sowing is 3-4 cm.



Fig: Sowing of seeds.



Fig: Seedling stage. Fig: Vegetative stage.




Fig: Reproductive stage. Fig: Ripening stage.