Soil fertility key to growing dryland sorghum – High Plains Journal

Successfully Growing a Sorghum Crop in the High Plains

Report by Dave Bergmeier

Introduction

Successfully growing a sorghum crop in the High Plains requires careful planning and a willingness to learn. This report highlights the importance of focusing on improving yield stability and managing soil health to ensure profitability. The discussion took place during the Sorghum U/Wheat U event in Wichita, Kansas, where Brian Arnall, a state Extension specialist with Oklahoma State University, shared his expertise on managing sorghum fertility.

Improving Yield Stability

Arnall emphasized that profitability should not be defined by a single season but rather by the ability to make a bad year better. He advised farmers to focus on improving yield stability rather than solely aiming for higher yields. This approach requires managing soil health and ensuring proper fertility.

Managing Soil Health

Arnall stressed the importance of maintaining soil health to maximize profitability. He recommended following the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule when managing soil fertility. Soil tests can provide valuable insights into nutrient levels, but growers should not become overly obsessed with them. Instead, they should focus on identifying zones in the field and consistently taking samples to track trends over time.

Optimizing Fertility

Arnall discussed various tests and benchmarks that growers commonly use. He mentioned that a soil pH range of 5.7 to 6.2 is a good benchmark to start with. When the pH falls below 5.5, it can lead to stunted roots and poor water usage and nutrient uptake in grain sorghum plants. In such cases, adding phosphorus or lime can be a cost-effective solution. However, it is important to consider the narrow window of effectiveness when applying minerals. High pH levels can be managed with proper application of phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Long-Term Approach

When discussing the use of microbials in soil health, Arnall recommended considering it as a long-term approach. He highlighted the importance of understanding sulfur and nitrogen ratios, as an imbalance in the growing system can affect effectiveness. In some fields, a hard pan layer can prevent sorghum roots from breaking through, even if soil tests indicate sufficient levels of phosphorus and potassium. Breaking through the hard pan may require strategies such as periodic full-tillage operations.

Application Considerations

Arnall advised against in-season application of phosphorus and potassium in dryland sorghum due to rainfall variances. Pre-planting application of nitrogen can be a good investment, but its effectiveness may vary in non-average years. Delayed nitrogen application and starting with small test strips can be effective strategies for optimizing yield potential and reducing input costs.

Insights from Producers

Arnall expressed his interest in visiting with producers to gain insights into their operations. He believes that sharing these insights with other growers can lead to valuable experimentation and knowledge exchange.

Conclusion

Successfully growing a sorghum crop in the High Plains requires a focus on improving yield stability and managing soil health. By following these principles, farmers can work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to sustainable agriculture and food security.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
   • Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
   • Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are related to sustainable agriculture practices, soil health, and crop productivity. Based on this, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The article emphasizes the importance of managing soil health and fertility to ensure sustainable food production systems and increase productivity. This aligns with SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all.

• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
• Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
• Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the importance of managing soil health, combating desertification, and restoring degraded land and soil. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

• Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
• Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hpj.com