20 Sorghum Hand Book. 



SORGHUM CULTURE. 



In general it may be said that Sorghum will thrive on any land that will 

 produce a fair crop of corn, both' plants requiring about same soil and 

 climate. The cultivation also is substantially the same, except that in its 

 early stages Sorghum requires more attenti9n than corn, being more liable to 

 be choked by weeds. After having a good start Sorghum is a vigorous plant, 

 and will stand severe drought much better than corn. With Sorghum, how- 

 ever, not only the stalk, but its quality (as to richness of cane juice in 

 saccharine properties) must be taken into account, and this is more or less 

 affected by the soil as well as climate. 



Whilst, then, broadly speaking, land that is good for corn is good for 

 Sorghum, the best results can only be expected from soil specially adapted to 

 all the wants of the latter. Whilst cane growers are generally agreed as to 

 what is good and what is poor land for Sorghum, there is some disagreement 

 as to what is the- very best. 



Most cane growers agree that sandy, upland soil is very good and black 

 bottom very poor; that new land is good, especially the bright clay soil 

 found in many sections on the skirts of timber land ; that any soil that is a 

 mixture of sand inclined to limestone, and with clay enough to hold it well 

 together, is vei'y good; that upland soil, moderately thick, with limestone 

 subsoil, is excellent; that poor soil is better than very rich soil; that warm, 

 dry soils, having a southern exposure and natural drainage, are desirable; 

 and that clay land gives good syrup, but qpt so large a yield. 



The soil, unless in good condition, should be manured in the fall with 

 vegetable or rotton stable manure. This is especially desirable in clay lands. • 

 Land freshly maniired yields poor syrup. 



Pbw deep and pulverize thoroughly. By throwing into ridges the soil will 

 be better affected by frost in winter, and will dry out sooner in the spring. 

 In general, prepare the ground as for corn. . Deep fall plowing is very 

 desirable, especially for new land, as it will put the ground in good condi- 

 dition, and tend to destroy the weeds by winter freezing. If practicable, 

 sheltered ground should be selected, as a safe-guard against the prostration 

 of the crop. The ground should be well prepared and the cultivation thorough, 

 so as to destroy all weeds. All extra labor put in during the early stages of 

 the growth of Sorghum will be repaid amply in the increased value of the 

 crop. Special care should be taken that replanting may not be required, 

 since it is important that all the cane mature at the same time. 



In the spring, after breaking up the ground by deep plowing, it should 

 be thoroughly pulverized, and made ready for planting by clearing off all 

 weeds and litter. It should be put in condition suitable for a garden. 



We take leave of this part of our subject by adding (even if we 

 but reiterate in other words what we have said above) with emphasis, plow 

 deep, no matter how deep. The roots of the cane will penetrate several feet, 

 and they need great depth to give the best results. 



