Sorghum, a versatile crop cultivated for various purposes, including beer-making, syrup production, and edible grains, demands specific harvesting techniques to ensure optimal yield and quality. This guide draws upon reputable sources such as Seed Savers Exchange, Sorghum Checkoff, and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension to provide detailed instructions for harvesting sorghum effectively.
Key Facts
- Determine the right time for harvest: Harvest sorghum grain when the seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. Cane sorghum should be harvested before the first frost.
- Choose the appropriate harvesting equipment: You can use row crop or sickle bar headers to harvest sorghum. Raise the header high enough to harvest only the grain heads with a minimum of leaves and stalks. Narrow row spacing, such as a 30-inch row, is usually easier to harvest than wider rows.
- Adjust combine settings: Set the combine reel bat speed 15 to 25 percent faster than ground speed to minimize losses. Set the reel height high enough to avoid catching under and throwing the grain heads on the ground. Adjust the combine cylinder and concave to separate the seed from the head without over-threshing. Inspect sieves often during operation to check for matting or clogging.
- Handle high-moisture sorghum carefully: Be cautious when holding high-moisture grain sorghum ahead of the dryer. Remove all high-moisture grain before refilling. High-moisture sorghum packs tighter than high-moisture corn, inhibiting air circulation and potentially causing heating, molding, and sprouting problems. If the sorghum is near 25 percent moisture and grain temperature is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), begin drying the grain within four hours to prevent these issues.
Harvest Timing
The timing of sorghum harvest is crucial to achieve the desired quality.
Grain Sorghum:
Harvest grain sorghum when the seeds reach physiological maturity, indicated by hard starch filling to the base of the kernel. The grain should be hard to penetrate when pinched between fingernails and exhibit a black spot at its base.
Cane Sorghum:
Harvest cane sorghum before the first frost to prevent damage to the stalks.
Harvesting Equipment
Appropriate harvesting equipment is essential for efficient and effective sorghum harvesting.
Combine Harvesters:
Utilize row crop or sickle bar headers to harvest sorghum. Adjust the header height to harvest only the grain heads, minimizing the inclusion of leaves and stalks. Narrow row spacing facilitates easier harvesting compared to wider rows.
Combine Settings:
Fine-tune combine settings to optimize harvesting results.
- Set the combine reel bat speed 15 to 25 percent faster than ground speed to minimize losses.
- Adjust the reel height to avoid catching and throwing grain heads on the ground.
- Calibrate the combine cylinder and concave to separate the seed from the head without excessive threshing.
- Monitor sieves during operation to prevent matting or clogging.
Handling High-Moisture Sorghum
Managing high-moisture sorghum requires careful attention to prevent quality deterioration.
- Exercise caution when storing high-moisture grain sorghum before drying.
- Remove all high-moisture grain before refilling storage containers.
- High-moisture sorghum packs tightly, hindering air circulation and potentially leading to heating, molding, and sprouting issues.
- If sorghum moisture content approaches 25 percent and grain temperature reaches 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), initiate drying within four hours to mitigate these problems.
Conclusion
Successful sorghum harvesting relies on careful monitoring of crop maturity, proper selection and adjustment of harvesting equipment, and cautious handling of high-moisture sorghum. By adhering to these guidelines, farmers can ensure the preservation of sorghum quality and maximize their yield.
FAQs
When is the right time to harvest sorghum?
Harvest grain sorghum when the seeds are hard to dent with a fingernail and exhibit a black spot at their base. Harvest cane sorghum before the first frost to prevent stalk damage.
What equipment is needed to harvest sorghum?
Utilize row crop or sickle bar headers attached to combine harvesters. Adjust the header height to harvest only the grain heads, minimizing the inclusion of leaves and stalks.
How should I adjust the combine settings for sorghum harvesting?
Set the combine reel bat speed 15 to 25 percent faster than ground speed to minimize losses. Adjust the reel height to avoid catching and throwing grain heads on the ground. Calibrate the combine cylinder and concave to separate the seed from the head without excessive threshing. Monitor sieves during operation to prevent matting or clogging.
How do I handle high-moisture sorghum during harvest?
Exercise caution when storing high-moisture grain sorghum before drying. Remove all high-moisture grain before refilling storage containers. High-moisture sorghum packs tightly, hindering air circulation and potentially leading to heating, molding, and sprouting issues. If sorghum moisture content approaches 25 percent and grain temperature reaches 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), initiate drying within four hours to mitigate these problems.
What are some common challenges during sorghum harvesting?
Common challenges include:
- Shattered kernels, dropped heads, and uncut heads due to improper header adjustment or excessive speed.
- Unthreshed grain due to inadequate cylinder speed or excessive concave clearance.
- Shoe loss due to overloading or insufficient air volume.
- Walker loss due to excessive speed or overloading.
- Heating, molding, and sprouting in high-moisture sorghum due to improper storage or delayed drying.
How can I minimize harvest losses?
To minimize harvest losses:
- Adjust the combine header height to harvest only the grain heads, minimizing the inclusion of leaves and stalks.
- Set the combine reel bat speed and height appropriately to avoid shattering or dropping grain heads.
- Calibrate the combine cylinder and concave to achieve efficient threshing without excessive kernel cracking.
- Monitor sieves during operation to prevent matting or clogging, ensuring proper grain separation.
- Avoid overloading the combine to prevent shoe or walker losses.
What are the signs of mature sorghum ready for harvest?
Signs of mature sorghum ready for harvest include:
- Hard, black-spotted kernels that resist denting when pinched with a fingernail.
- Dry, brown leaves and stalks.
- Drooping heads.
- Fully developed panicles with mature seeds.
How should I store harvested sorghum?
Store harvested sorghum in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Maintain proper moisture levels to prevent spoilage and pest infestation. Consider using aeration systems to maintain grain quality during storage.