Optimal nitrogen management for high yield and N use efficiency of ratoon sorghum.

Sorghum ratooning, a time and labor-saving cultivation practice, is increasingly being adopted by farmers in Southwest China as an alternative. Efficient N fertilizer management is critical for economical production of sorghum and the long-term protection of the environment. To investigate the impact of N management on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) of ratoon sorghum system, a three-year field experiment was conducted for Jinyunuo3 (a hybrid cultivar) and Guojiaohong1 (an inbred cultivar) using 12 combinations of N rates and splitting ratios.

Yield and Quality in Main and Ratoon Crops of Grain Sorghum Under Different Nitrogen Rates and Planting Densities.

Ratooning is the cultivation practice of two harvests in one cropping season by producing a second crop from the original stubble, which could provide higher resource use efficiency and economic benefit compared with direct sown crops. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer and planting density (D) play a vital role in sorghum ( L.) production; however, limited information is available on the effects on yield and quality of the sorghum-ratoon system.