ARE_CROP_DATA

At Shakoor Lab, we are leading a five year research project funded by the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) to study how sorghum, a major food, feed, and bioenergy crop, performs under different farming practices across the United States. The study focuses on two commercial sorghum hybrids tested in replicated field trials using three management systems: no till farming, precision nitrogen application, and cover cropping. No till farming leaves soil undisturbed before planting, conserving soil structure, moisture, and long term health. Precision nitrogen application delivers fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount, improving efficiency while reducing waste. Cover cropping introduces other plant species between sorghum seasons to improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and support environmental sustainability. The goal of this project is to determine how sorghum hybrids respond to these systems in terms of yield, productivity, and resilience. By identifying which sorghum varieties perform best under specific conditions, we can provide farmers with practical recommendations that improve profitability and resource use efficiency. Sorghum is not only an important crop for food and livestock feed, but also for renewable energy production. In addition, it contributes to soil conservation and carbon capture, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. Data from our field trials, including detailed measurements of sorghum traits, provide important insights that will guide future crop management and strengthen the role of sorghum in a resilient agricultural system.