Developing row spacing and planting density recommendations for sweet sorghum production in the Southern Great Plains
by Linneman, Jacob W., M.S., OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2011, 70 pages; 1495074

Abstract:

Sweet sorghum is gaining in popularity as an alternative biofuel feedstock. Its potential for low nutrient and water requirement appears to fit well within the southern Great Plains arid climate. The objectives of this project were to determine the optimum row spacing and plant population for sweet sorghum production in the southern Great Plains. Three locations in Oklahoma were established, ranging in precipitation from 820 to 1,070 mm West to East, respectively. At each location two separate studies were conducted: row spacing and planting density. To determine the effect of row spacing on sweet sorghum production two varieties, Topper and M81, were evaluated in spacings of 20, 38, and 76 cm. To determine optimum plant density, plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design and seeded at rates of 74,100 to 172,900 seeds ha -1 in 20 and 76-cm row spacings using one cultivar, M81. Plots were harvested at soft dough stage to obtain wet yield. Samples were pressed to determine juice extraction and brix values. Observations from row spacing studies indicated 20 and 38-cm rows were superior to 76-cm rows. 175,000 to 250,000 plants ha-1 and narrow row spacing offers the maximum yield of biomass and juice extraction.

 
AdviserChad Godsey
SchoolOKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
SourceMAI/ 49-06, p. , Jul 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsPlant sciences
Publication Number1495074
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1495074
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.