Sorghum is a warm-season annual grass that is similar to corn, but produces seeds in loose heads occurring on the top of the plant, rather than in ears. Although sorghum is relatively low in protein (8% to 10%), it is high in carbohydrates, so it provides deer with an important energy source from fall until early-winter. Deer eat the seed heads when they mature in early fall.
Sorghum site requirements
Sorghum is easier to grow than corn because sorghum demands fewer nutrients and typically requires 1/3 less water for good growth. It is very drought tolerant, it will tolerate poorly-drained conditions, low soil fertility, and moderate acidity. It will not tolerate flooding. Best growth is achieved on well-drained soils with pH between 5.6 and 6.5.
Sorghum varieties
There are many varieties of sorghum and most are grouped as being either "forage sorghum" or "grain sorghum". Forage sorghums tend to have small seed heads and tall stems. Grain sorghums tend to have large seed heads and shorter stems. Some varieties of grain sorghum include Milo and Wild Game Food (W.G.F) sorghum. The "yellow" seed head varieties of Milo seem to be most palatable to deer. If planting sorghum in northern regions, select varieties that mature early in the fall.
Suggested forage mixtures with sorghum
Sorghum can be planted by itself or in mixtures with other forages. The following are examples of suitable forage mixtures that include sorghum:
grain sorghum and forage sorghum
forage sorghum, grain sorghum, and corn
sorghum, American jointvetch, and cowpeas
sorghum, soybeans, and American jointvetch
forage sorghum, lablab, and cowpeas
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