Sorghum and Maize For a number of seasons now maize and sorghum, either as a mix or straights, have been the mainstay of most people’s cover crops. The development in varieties within both crops and particularly the ability to choose your height for sorghum has made them very popular. Please find listed below a brief summary of the basic guidelines for both maize and sorghum. Should you require some more detailed maize information, we have produced a guide which is available upon request. Gamecover Maize Providing a tall, upright plant, maize is an attractive cover for game birds. As there is little cover at low height, it allows the birds to move freely underneath. The added benefit of maize is that it does also produce a feed value. It can also be partnered well with Millet or Kale. Wherever possible always plough for the new crop. Maize Eyespot and Fusarium can be serious problems given the right conditions and ploughing down the old crop residue as soon as possible will help to minimise disease carry over. Maize is very sensitive to pH; if it is below 6 then this needs to be addressed. A soil test should be carried out if unsure. Seedbeds need to be worked to produce 6 inches of tilth and be compaction free. Maize needs a consistent soil temperature of 8 degrees to grow properly. When making the decision to drill, please ensure that the risk of frost has passed, which usually means from mid-April onwards. Sowing depth is a key consideration, particularly when using seed without a bird repellent. Seed rate is also important as reducing this can have a positive impact upon standing ability. If grown with other crops, it is best to drill the elements separately ensuring that each one is at the correct depth, which may mean drilling twice.
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