Sorghum cultivation area is steadily increasing in Germany

Published Feb 2, 2022

Tridge summary

The German Maize Committee has reported a significant increase in the cultivation area for sorghum in Germany for the year 2021, with a growth of nearly 2,000 ha compared to the previous year, totaling just under 12,900 ha. This surge is primarily attributed to changing climate conditions, especially prolonged drought in regions like Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, which favor sorghum cultivation. Additionally, the trend towards diverse crop rotations and the need for alternative crops in the face of western corn rootworm infestations contribute to the increase, especially in southern federal states. However, the future of sorghum cultivation in Germany remains uncertain, hinging on economic factors and future developments in the biogas sector, with a particular focus on the requirement for cold-tolerant varieties in the north.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The area under cultivation for sorghum in Germany also increased in the past year. This is pointed out by the German Maize Committee (DMK), which estimates these figures annually in cooperation with the state offices, chambers of agriculture and state statistical offices. For this purpose, the individual data on proso millet, sorghum, foxtail millet and Sudan grass provided by the countries are combined into sorghum. For the year 2021, the recording of just under 12,900 ha again shows an increase of almost 2,000 ha compared to the previous year. According to DMK, the main reason for the constantly increasing area under cultivation is changing climate and general conditions: Increasing, long-lasting drought - as can be measured in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt - promotes increased sorghum cultivation as well as the trend towards extended crop rotations. Alternative cultivation in the event of infestation with the western corn rootworm, which does not damage sorghum, can also be ...

Source: Top Agrar Online