CHAPTER XXVI 

 CULTURAL METHODS FOR SORGHUMS 



242. Sorghums are grown for four distinct purposes : 

 (a) as a grain crop primarily, (6) as a forage crop, (c) for 

 sirup manufacture, and (d) for broom-corn brush. 



The land to be chosen would be similar in each case, 

 but the principal difference in cultural methods would 

 come in method of sowing and harvesting. 



Because the sorghums will grow on poorer and drier 

 land than any other of our cereals is to be taken as an 

 indication not that they naturally prefer such conditions, 

 but rather that they are capable of withstanding greater 

 hardships than other crops. Consequent!}^, the culture 

 of sorghums may extend beyond the limits of common 

 cereals ; but, on the other hand, they will respond as 

 readily to manuring and to favorable environment as 

 will any plant, on good, rich land producing six to seven 

 tons of cured forage per acre. 



Preparation. — The land is prepared much as for corn. 

 The plowing may be done in the fall or in the spring. 

 As planting does not take place until rather late — two 

 to four weeks after corn, — there is ample time for spring 

 preparation of the soil. 



GROWING SORGHUMS FOR GRAIN 



243. Varieties. — Blackhull Kafir, Milo, Red Kafir, and 

 Brown Durra, in the order named, are the principal sor- 

 ghums grown for grain. 



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