Evaluating Forage Sorghum and Pearl Millet for Forage Production and Quality in the Texas High Plains.

As water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer continue to decline in the Texas High Plains, alternative forage crops that utilize less water must be identified to meet the demands of the livestock industry in the region. The purpose of this two year study was to evaluate forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Leeke] for forage production and quality. Three different harvesting regimes were implemented to evaluate forage productivity and regrowth of both crops throughout the season. These different regimes included: three 30 day, two 45 day and one 90 day harvest. Pearl millet and forage sorghum total dry matter production in the first study year ranged from 3.96 to 6.28 Mg/ha and 5.38 to 11.19 Mg/ha, respectively. Total dry matter production from the second year and forage quality from both years will also be presented.