How to Harvest Sorghum: A Guide to Maximizing Yields and Ensuring Quality
How to Harvest Sorghum?
To harvest sorghum, it is important to wait until the moisture in the grain drops to around 30 percent.
Harvesting should not take place if the moisture content exceeds 25 percent, with the recommended optimum harvest moisture for sorghum being around 20 percent.
Two methods for harvesting sorghum are row crop and sickle bar headers.
When using the header, it should be raised to harvest only the grain heads, minimizing the inclusion of leaves and stalks.
Narrow row spacing is beneficial to prevent lodging.
Combining at a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph helps to reduce header losses.
The combine reel bat speed and height should be adjusted to avoid throwing grain heads on the ground, while the combine cylinder and concave settings should be adjusted to separate the seed without over-threshing.
To prevent chopping up sorghum stalks, the chaffer extension should be closed.
Frequent inspection of sieves is necessary to check for matting or clogging, and the sieve settings should be adjusted to ensure proper airflow and avoid clogging.
Special precautions should be taken when handling high-moisture sorghum before drying, including packing it tightly to avoid air circulation and heating problems.
High-moisture sorghum should be dried within four hours to prevent heat, molding, and sprouting issues.
Trash should be removed from the sorghum to prevent fire hazards and resistance to air movement in dryers.
Drying time and temperature depend on the grain volume and purpose, with sorghum used for seed having a drying temperature limit of 110°F and sorghum stored for 12 months needing to be dried below 12 percent moisture.
It is important to regularly inspect the contents of the grain tank for moisture, insects, and spoilage.
During the harvesting process, precautions should be taken to avoid contact with power lines when using grain augers to prevent electrocution.
Key Points:
- Harvest sorghum when moisture in the grain is around 30 percent, with 25 percent being the maximum moisture content for harvesting.
- Two methods for harvesting sorghum are row crop and sickle bar headers.
- Raise the header to harvest only the grain heads, minimizing leaves and stalks.
- Narrow row spacing helps prevent lodging.
- Combining at a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph reduces header losses.
- Take precautions to avoid contact with power lines when using grain augers during harvesting.
Did You Know?
1. The term “sorghum” actually encompasses a variety of species, including grain sorghum, forage sorghum, and sweet sorghum, each serving different purposes and having distinct characteristics.
2. Sorghum is believed to have originated in northeastern Africa thousands of years ago and is considered one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history.
3. While sorghum is often associated with food production, it is also widely used for ethanol production, animal feed, and even as a building material in some regions.
4. Certain sorghum varieties have been found to be resistant to drought, making them an attractive crop option for regions prone to water scarcity or frequent drought conditions.
5. Harvesting sorghum typically involves cutting the plant stalks close to the ground and leaving them in the field to dry before further processing, such as threshing and separating the grain from the rest of the plant material.
Moisture Content For Harvesting Sorghum
Sorghum, a versatile crop known for its drought resistance and nutritional value, requires careful attention to moisture content during the harvest process. The ideal time to harvest sorghum is when the moisture in the grain drops to about 30 percent, ensuring optimal yields and quality. However, it is crucial not to harvest sorghum seeds when the moisture content exceeds 25 percent, as this can result in poor drying and storage outcomes.
Harvesting sorghum at an optimum moisture content of around 20 percent is crucial for preserving grain quality. This moisture level allows for easier threshing and better overall drying and storage conditions. It is essential to monitor the moisture content and plan the harvest accordingly to achieve the best results.
Methods For Harvesting Sorghum
There are two primary methods for harvesting sorghum: row crop and sickle bar headers. The choice of method depends on various factors such as field conditions, equipment availability, and personal preference.
In the row crop method, the header is raised to harvest only the grain heads, while leaving behind minimal leaves and stalks. Narrow row spacing is recommended to prevent lodging, which can reduce yields and make harvesting more challenging.
Sickle bar headers are an alternative method, particularly suitable for sorghum grown as a forage crop. This method involves using a sickle bar to cut the entire plant, including leaves and stalks, for later use as livestock feed.
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Adjustments For Combine Settings During Sorghum Harvest
To maximize yields and reduce grain losses, it is crucial to make specific adjustments to combine settings during sorghum harvest. Combining at a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph is recommended to minimize header losses.
Proper adjustment of the combine reel bat speed and height is essential to avoid throwing grain heads on the ground. Additionally, adjusting the combine cylinder and concave settings helps separate the seed without over-threshing.
To prevent damage to sorghum stalks, close the chaffer extension and regularly inspect the sieves for matting or clogging. Adjusting the sieve settings to ensure proper airflow and prevent clogging is vital for efficient harvesting.
Considerations For Drying High-Moisture Sorghum
Harvesting high-moisture sorghum requires careful consideration to ensure proper drying, storage, and maintenance of the grain. Prolonged exposure to moisture can result in heat, molding, and sprouting issues, so it is important to handle it with caution. Pack the high-moisture sorghum tightly to minimize air circulation and prevent heating problems.
Drying the sorghum within four hours is crucial to prevent potential quality problems. Unlike corn, sorghum dries at a slower rate, necessitating higher static pressure during the drying process. If the grain volume is reduced, the drying time for sorghum should be similar to that of corn.
For sorghum used as seed, it is recommended to limit the drying temperature to 110°F. Moreover, sorghum intended for storage for 12 months should be dried below 12 percent moisture to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
Storage And Maintenance Of Sorghum Grain
Proper storage and maintenance of sorghum grain are critical to preserving its quality and preventing spoilage. When storing sorghum, it is essential to remove any trash or foreign materials that may pose fire hazards or hamper air movement in dryers.
Aerating sorghum storage at a minimum rate of 1/10 cfm/bu helps maintain grain quality by preventing moisture migration and ensuring proper ventilation. Regular inspection of grain tank contents for moisture, insects, and spoilage is necessary to address any issues promptly.
It is crucial to be mindful of power lines when using grain augers to prevent accidental contact and the risk of electrocution. Implementing safety protocols and equipment safeguards is essential for the smooth storage and maintenance of sorghum grain.
- Remove trash and foreign materials from sorghum storage
- Aerate sorghum storage at a minimum rate of 1/10 cfm/bu
- Regularly inspect grain tank contents for moisture, insects, and spoilage
- Stay mindful of power lines when using grain augers
- Implement safety protocols and equipment safeguards
Characteristics And Uses Of Sorghum
Beyond the harvesting and storage considerations, sorghum possesses several characteristics that make it a valuable crop in various industries.
Its resilience allows it to thrive in different temperatures, altitudes, and soil conditions, making it a versatile crop for farmers worldwide.
In terms of uses, sorghum finds applications in human food, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol production.
Its grain is gluten-free and rich in minerals, with nutritional values comparable to rice, corn, and wheat. From staple foods to snacks, bread, liquor, and biofuels, sorghum plays a significant role in diverse cultures.
Sorghum cultivation also holds historical and cultural significance in various regions.
Over the years, the crop has been genetically studied, and its genome has been sequenced, providing insights into its potential for further development and improvement.
“By implementing these guidelines, farmers can maximize yields, preserve grain quality, and ensure the success of this resilient and versatile crop.”
- Thorough monitoring
- Adherence to best practices
- Continuous education
These factors are essential for harnessing the full potential of sorghum and reaping its numerous benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool is used to harvest sorghum?
To effectively harvest sorghum and minimize field losses, mechanical methods are employed. Row crop headers and sickle bar headers are two common tools used for this purpose. These tools efficiently cut and collect the sorghum stalks, allowing for early harvesting and controlled drying. By utilizing these mechanical techniques, farmers can maintain the quality of the sorghum crop and reduce losses caused by birds, wildlife, and lodging.
How do you know when sorghum is ready?
You can assess the readiness of sorghum by various indicators. One effective method is to pluck a kernel from the top of the head and test its consistency. If the kernel can be effortlessly split using your thumbnail, without any signs of milky substance, then the crop has reached the soft dough stage, indicating an optimal time for harvest.
What are the methods of processing sorghum?
Sorghum processing involves several methods to enhance its quality and commercial value. The primary processing starts with grading, cleaning, and destoning to eliminate impurities and ensure uniformity. Dehulling and grading further refine the grain, removing the outer protective layer, and assessing the sorghum based on size and quality. Finally, polishing is done to give the grain a more attractive appearance and increase its market price. These sequential steps optimize the overall quality of the sorghum and make it more desirable for various applications.
How do you process sorghum?
To process sorghum, the harvested cane is first fed into a sorghum mill or press. In this traditional method at the Ozark Folk Center, a donkey turns the mill to crush the cane. As the cane is crushed, the juice, which has a light green color, is collected in buckets. The collected juice can then be further processed to extract the sugar and molasses, or it can be used as is. The remaining cane pulp, known as pumee, serves as a valuable feed for livestock, ensuring that no part of the plant goes to waste.