User:Ruffenergiulia/sandbox

Sorghum as an alternative to corn

Sorghum can be grown as an alternative to maize. For example, in a crop rotation, maize can be replaced by sorghum [1]. Sorghum has 96% of the nutritional value of maize. In addition, it has more protein than maize. However, it is important to note that protein concentrations can vary and therefore need to be checked at harvest. Furthermore, sorghum is less digestible than maize because of the amino acids [2,3]. It also contains some bitter substances which can make it not very palatable [3]. Despite these disadvantages, sorghum is a suitable solution for warmer regions where water is limited. Another advantage is that Sorghum has comparable yield to corn [2].

 additional information for cultivation difficulties 

Furthermore, the insects damage is a big threat. Over 150 species have been reported to damage Sorghum at different stages of development. This threat generates a significant biomass loss [4].

[1]	Grain Sorghum | NHAG. https://agriculture.newholland.com/apac/en-ph/equipment/agronomy/production-guidelines/grain-sorghum.

[2]	Getachew, G., Putnam, D. H., de Ben, C. M. & de Peters, E. J. Potential of Sorghum as an Alternative to Corn Forage. Am J Plant Sci 07, 1106–1121 (2016).

[3]	Feeding sorghum as an alternative to corn | Feed Strategy. https://www.feedstrategy.com/blog/feeding-sorghum-as-an-alternative-to-corn/.

[4] Guo, C., Cui, W., Feng, X., Zhao, J. & Lu, G. Sorghum insect problems and management. J Integr Plant Biol 53, 178–192 (2011).