FODDER GROWTH AND QUALITY OF TWO VARIETIES OF SORGHUM (bicolor L) IN FIVE TYPES OF SOIL AROUND KHARTOUM

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Khartoum in the period of 2007 to 2008 in summer and winter
season to study the effect of different Khartoum state soil on the growth and
quality of two varieties of sorghum, bicolor L (Abu- 70) and Pioneer). Five
different soils were collected from five different locations around Khartoum
state production areas, soil from along river Nil (Entisols)-(G), soil from
second terrace of Shambat area.(SH), soil from third terrace at the University
of Khartoum farm U of K), soil from eastern Nile (EL-hajyousif area) - (HY)
and soil from production area, sand soil (EL-fteehab east) (F). Significant
differences (P<0.05) were found between chemical and physical ingredients
of soil samples, plant height, stem diameter and number of green leaves
Soil (G) increase plant height, stem diameter and number of green leaves.
Both sorghum varieties planted in soil (G) recorded significantly (P<0.05)
highest values of protein content, in vitro DM digestibility and less crud fiber
content compared to other soil types. Therefore, soil (G) was regarded as the
best soil in Khartoum State for high quality sorghum fodder production