ABSTRACT: Using panicle rachis to manufacture artisanal brooms and the leaf and stem to produce forage can be a viable solution to incentivize the broom-type sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). However, fitting the most suitable sowing density to achieve top productivity is crucial. The objective of this study was to evaluate agroeconomic responses and chemical composition of broom-type sorghum cultivars (Dwarf IAC 10V50, IAC 10V60, and IAC 10V70) subjected to planting densities (80, 000; 120, 000, and 160, 000 plants ha-1) conducting two trials at the same harvest season. Growing 80, 000 plants ha-1 led to taller plants (2. 73 m) and longer panicles (51. 0 cm) likely because of the lower competition for resources (e. g. , water and soil minerals), but the planting density did not affect other agronomic traits. Dwarf IAC 10V50 was shorter (2. 30 m) than the others (2. 70 m), displaying a lower dry matter yield. A higher concentration of total digestible nutrients was found in the leaves and stems of the Dwarf IAC 10V50 (569. 7 g kg-1) compared to the others (525. 4 g kg-1). Growing the IAC 10V70 led to a higher percentage of non-defected panicles and a higher gross income (US 3058. 86 ha-1). Adopting planting densities of up to 160, 000 plants per hectare is possible without significantly affecting agroeconomic responses and broom-type sorghum’s chemical composition. The Dwarf IAC 10V50 displays a great forage potential while the IAC 10V70 has the best traits for generating profit with broom manufacture.
Mendes et al. (Wed,) studied this question.