Biomass sorghum is notable for its high dry matter (DM) yield, making it suitable for silage production. However, hybrids with higher biomass production often show lower nutrient digestibility due to a greater proportion of stems. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance, chemical composition, and fiber digestibility of five biomass sorghum hybrids (CMSXS5039, CMSXS5044, CMSXS7102, CMSXS7103, and BRS716) grown in two soil types (clayey and sandy) in Dourados and Jateí, Mato Grosso do Sul. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme. The evaluated parameters included agronomic characteristics, chemical composition, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD 48 ). Hybrids CMSXS7102 and CMSXS7103 showed the greatest plant heights and highest yields of total, stem, and leaf DM in Jateí. In contrast, hybrids CMSXS5039 and CMSXS5044 presented lower NDF and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents, higher NDFD, and lower lignin concentrations, indicating better nutritional quality in both places. The highest soluble and digestible protein (DP) contents were observed in Dourados (clay soil), as well as the highest levels of nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFCs). In conclusion, CMSXS7102 and CMSXS7103 are suitable for forage production, whereas CMSXS5039 and CMSXS5044 are better suited for forage quality, and rainfall deficit limits sorghum biomass yield (BY) even in clay soils.
Silva et al. (Thu,) studied this question.