Stepny 5 / Stepoviy 5

Stepny 5 Sorghum is an early-maturing hybrid variety characterized by high drought resistance and adaptability to various climatic conditions in Ukraine. The vegetative period of the variety ranges from 100 to 140 days, enabling stable yields even under moderately dry climates without additional irrigation. Plants reach a height of 150-180 cm, and the 1000-grain weight varies from 20.6 to 30 g, indicating high yield potential. The grain is light brown, round with an elliptical profile, possessing high feed quality and suitable for mechanical harvesting.

Stepny 5 Sorghum exhibits high productivity in both grain and green mass. The average yield of green mass reaches 27.5 t/ha, while grain yields range from 7 to 10 t/ha. The grain contains 8.1-15% crude protein, 3.4-4.5% fat, 15.6% total sugar, and 20-29% fiber, making it a valuable feed for animals. Additionally, sorghum is used for producing grit, flour, and starch, expanding its application in agriculture and food industry.

One of the key features of this variety is its high heat and salt tolerance. Leaves and stems are covered with a waxy coating that reduces water evaporation, while the root system effectively removes salts from the soil and converts less accessible forms of phosphorus into more plant-available forms. Sorghum grows well on saline soils, bringing phosphates from deep soil layers to the surface, improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable crop development. Thanks to these qualities, Stepny 5 Sorghum is becoming increasingly popular among farmers aiming to achieve high and stable yields under changing climatic conditions.