Pearl Millet

A warm season, annual grass with a growth habit similar to sorghum-sudan, but without the potential for prussic acid toxicity.

Description

A warm season, annual grass with a growth habit similar to sorghum-sudan, but without the potential for prussic acid toxicity. Yields best in fertile, well-drained soils, but also can do well in sandy, acidic, wet, or low moisture or fertility soils.

Management

Will provide grazing in 45-60 days after planting with yields reaching over 6 tons of dry matter per year under good fertility. Rotational grazing will improve grazing efficiency, but it can be continuously grazed due to its lack of prussic acid potential. Grazing or cutting may be initiated after plants get to 18"-24" in height and regrowth is best if an 8"-10" stubble height remains. An additional 40-50 units of N should be applied after first harvest or grazing to maximize regrowth.

Establishment

Pearl Millet should be planted in early summer after soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F. It can be either broadcast into a prepared seedbed or drilled. If broadcast, seeding rates should be 25-40 lbs/acre, while drilled seedings should be done at 15-20 lbs/acre, both with a seeding depth of ½”-1”.