Effect Of Planting Date Research Articles

Studies on Effect of Planting Dates on Seed Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Aim: To study the effect of planting dates on seed quality of onion varieties. Study Design: Split plot design and FCRD. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Hagari, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) during Rabi 2023-24. Methodology: Two varieties as main plot with five planting dates as sub plots. Results: The results revealed that significantly highest seed germination (89.3 %), shoot length (8.97 cm), root length (7.02 cm) and seedling vigour index I and II (1428 and 1294, respectively) in D1 (1st fortnight of November). While, lowest seed germination (84.7 %), shoot length (7.65 cm), root length (6.04 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1250 and 1047, respectively) in D5 (1st fortnight of January). Among the varieties, Bhima super (V2) registered significantly highest seed germination (87.8 cm), shoot length (8.49 cm), root length (6.18 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1291 and 1116, respectively). Whereas, lowest seed germination (86.5 cm), shoot length (8.07 cm), root length (5.89 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1209 and 978, respectively) recorded in Bellary red (V1). Conclusion: The results of present investigation revealed that, bulbs planted during 1st fortnight of November and Bhima super were found to be superior for high quality seed production of onion.

Effect of Different Planting Dates and Spacing on Growth Parameters of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Aim: To investigate the effect of various planting dates and spacing on cabbage growth. Study Design: The experimental design Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) was used. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was conducted in the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (U.P.) Methodology: There were twelve treatments with three replications. The variety selected for experiment was Pusa Mukta. Results: The combined data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) had significantly higher plant survivability (95.28%), plant height (14.67 cm, 21.31 cm and 28.39 cm) at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, respectively, stem diameter (2.11 cm), no. of non-wrapper leaves (16.28), no. of wrapper leaves (27.19), plant spread E-W (49.40 cm) and plant spread N-S (52.63 cm). Among spacings. The findings showed that the S4 (60 cm x 60 cm) plant spacing achieved maximum plant survivability at 91.59%. It also led to the greatest plant height at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT) with measurements of 15.73 cm, 22.45 cm and 31.12 cm, respectively. Additionally, this spacing resulted in the largest stem diameter (2.31 cm), the highest no. of non-wrapper leaves (17.40), no. of wrapper leaves (28.30), greatest plant spread in both East-West (52.79 cm) and North-South (56.08 cm) directions. Conclusion: The results obtained from pooled data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) and Spacing 60 cm x 60 cm had significantly higher growth parameters.

Integrating mechanical and cultural methods for weed control in organic chickpea

Abstract The Northern Great Plains of the United States is a major production region for organic pulse crops that are prone to yield losses due to weeds. Weed management in organic systems relies on the integration of several tactics to stack additive effects and for redundancy to deal with variable efficacy of individual weed management practices. To address the need for effective, integrated weed management, we conducted a 2-yr trial that evaluated the effects of planting date, seeding rate, and preemergent weed control practices (shallow tillage and flame weeding) on weed biomass, crop density, and yield in organically managed chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Montana. Stacking weed management practices increased yields. Early planting had the largest effects on yields, increasing them by 1.8- to 3.6-fold compared with planting 10 to 14 d later. Increasing the seeding rate from the standard rate (43 viable seeds m−2) by 50% increased yields by 47% from 889 to 1,304 kg ha−1. Both preemergent weed control practices increased yields by 40% to 50 % relative to the non-weeded controls. By integrating all three practices, yields of organic chickpea increased greater than 6-fold from 318 kg ha−1 in the controls to 2,006 kg ha−1. The effects of weed control treatments on midseason weed biomass were complex and variable. Although efficacy of the cultural (seeding rate and planting date) and physical (preemergent) treatments on weed biomass varied between years and when combined with other treatments, their full integration, that is, early planted, at higher seeding rate, and preemergent weed control, produced consistently lower weed biomass (84% reduction on average) compared with the standard grower practice (later planting, standard seeding rate, no preemergent weed control). The results lend support to the concept of integrating multiple weed management practices to achieve weed control and high yields in organically managed crops.

Effect of different planting dates and spacing on yield and its attributing characters of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Effect of different planting dates and spacing on yield and its attributing characters of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Variation in Seedling Quality Attributes of Lentil (Lens <i>culinaris</i> Medik.) After Harvested Under Different Sowing Dates

Planting dates are the most important components for Lentil seedling growth and development. Seeds planted in diverse environmental situations lead to changes in various seedling development and the final output of the yield. The present study, aimed to assess the effect of different planting (sowing) dates harvested seeds on the physiological properties of nineteen (19) lentil genotypes. Lentil was growing during two consecutive planting days on average the normal (main) 17/08/2021 and lately 16/09/2021, then harvested seed extract after five months of storage, planted CRD with two factorial designs and three replications under laboratory condition within a white plastic container filled with autoclaved 3.0kg sand applying 100ml distilled water. The lentil was grown per standard, and the lentil's postharvest physiological quality parameters were evaluated. Results indicated that the lowest speed of germination index was obtained during late planting time or stress situations on the genotype Adda (8.78) and ILL-1760 (8.94). Seedling length is the seedling vigor criterion and is statistically significantly different between planting dates at 1%. The effect of planting day on seedling fresh weight was significantly different (p < 0.01) on genotype Beredu (0.0022) on the main planting day. The seed viability on vigor index (II) as shown in was affected by planting date (p < 0.01) and genotypes (p < 0.01). The heritability value of shoot length, root length, and seedling fresh weight equal zero was the variation due to environmental it had no genetic effect after five months of storage both main and late planting. The seedling vigor index, fresh and dry weight traits maximum on the main planting day on the genotype Beredu indicates 0.0445, 0.00218, and 0.00045 respectively. Seeds from the main planting day had the best seedling traits performance and recorded minimal germination time compared to late planting seeds. Lentil seeds planted lately finally recorded lower seedling fresh and dry weight, vigor, and speed of germination index as compared to those harvested lentil seeds in main planting dates. As a result, when there is adequate rainfall necessary for lentil growth, development, and final output.

Study the Effect of Planting Dates and Reproductive Pruning on Yield Attributes of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)

Flowers are reproductive organs that convert photosynthetic assimilates into seeds when flowers are developed the yield of the tuber decreases. So, it’s prerequisite to pluck the flowers to increase the tuber yield [1] as well as its needs to find out suitable planting date for cultivation of yam bean in Konkan region. Therefore, an experiment on “Study the effect of planting dates and reproductive pruning on yield attributes of Yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)” was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during Kharif season of year 2023-24. Two factors were studied during the investigation using factorial randomized block design (p= .05) viz. Planting dates (D) i.e., D₁-1st week of June, D₂-3rd week of June, D3 -1st week of July, D4 -3rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) i.e., P1 – Weekly, P2 – Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. The results showed that weekly reproductive pruning (P1) with planting date 3rd week of June (D2) gave best effect and significantly affect the yield per plant (642.03 g), average weight of tuber (407.70 g),yield per hectare (12.90 t ha-1) and length and diameter of tuber (21.50 cm and 17.53 cm) respectively.

Abnormal ear development in corn: Does hybrid, environment, and planting date matter?

AbstractCorn (Zea mays L.) yields have increased historically, but production concerns still exist. For decades, abnormal corn ear development symptoms have been reported. Most of these reports have not been addressed through research, perhaps due to low occurrence and challenges in replicating them. In 2016, widespread abnormal ear development (multiple ears per node, barbell‐ears, and short‐husk ears) issues were reported in several cornfields in the Texas Panhandle, Eastern Colorado, Nebraska, and other US Midwest states. Fields with a high frequency of abnormalities resulted in lower yields. To investigate causal factors, a field trial was established to study the effect of hybrids, environments, and planting dates on abnormal ears. The project was conducted at two Nebraska sites during the 2018, 2019, and 2020 growing seasons. Six hybrids, six environments, and four planting dates were studied. Approximately 59,200 plants were individually assessed at the dent stage (R5). Abnormal ear percentages ranged from 0% to 45% per plot, with a mean of 6.66% across all conditions. Interactions among hybrids, environments, and planting dates were documented despite the overall low incidence of abnormal ears. Grain yields ranged from 5.2 to 22.5 Mg ha−1; hybrids with higher abnormal ear percentages were associated with lower yields. The main documented symptom was short‐husk ears. Abnormal ears were often placed at lower heights in the plant relative to normal ears. The results presented here demonstrate the importance of studying abnormal ears and understanding the impact of planting dates and hybrid selection as potential strategies to mitigate abnormal ears.

Effects of Planting Date and Field Type outweighed the Effect of Seed Origin on Ware Potato Yield

AbstractPotato yields in the Netherlands are highly variable. Although variability in yield has previously been attributed to several crop management factors, part of the variability remains unexplained. It is hypothesized that part of this unexplained yield variability is influenced by seed potato origin, encompassing where and under what conditions seed potatoes have been cultivated. In this study, we investigated the effect of seed potato origin on crop characteristics and tuber yield in interaction with and in comparison to planting date and field type in a two-year on-farm experiment on a large-scale potato farm. We evaluated three different seed potato origins of the variety Fontane, three different planting dates (early, intermediate, late), and two different field types (wet rainfed and dry irrigated). Origin significantly affected the number of stems per plant and the number of tubers per stem in both years. This resulted in a significant effect of origin on the number of tubers per plant in the first year. In that year, the origin with the lowest number of tubers per plant also produced the highest yield of tubers larger than 50 mm. Despite these (small) effects of seed potato origin on crop characteristics, origin did not significantly affect gross and marketable yield. Moreover, there was no interaction between origin and planting date and/or field type. However, planting date and field type had a significant effect on yield. Ware potato yield in the wet rainfed field was up to 17 t ha−1 higher than in the dry irrigated field, and late planting resulted in a yield reduction of up to 10 t ha−1. We conclude that for maximizing ware potato yield of the variety Fontane in the Netherlands, the effects of planting date and field type outweighed the effects of seed tuber origin.

Management of Sorghum Aphids in Early and Late‐Planted Grain Sorghum With an In‐Furrow Insecticide Application

AbstractThe sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi), also known as the sugarcane aphid, has become a significant pest in the southern United States since its detection in Texas and Louisiana in 2013, now affecting 25 states and impacting sorghum yields. Management strategies, such as resistant cultivars and insecticide applications, are employed, but further research is needed to optimize these methods and evaluate the combined effects of insecticide application and planting dates on aphid control and sorghum yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of insecticide applications and planting dates on M. sorghi infestations and grain sorghum yield over three growing seasons in Tifton, GA. Earn 1.0 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by taking the quiz for the article at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) hybrids

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) hybrids

Evaluating Chinese fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties and planting dates in North Carolina

AbstractField trials were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effects of planting date (mid‐March, mid‐April, and mid‐May) on 11 fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L. <0.3% total tetrahydrocannabinol) varieties. Trials were conducted in Goldsboro, Kinston, and Salisbury, NC. Each location followed a split‐plot randomized complete block design with at least three blocks where planting date was the main‐plot and variety the sub‐plot. Varieties investigated originated from China and Australia (2021 only). Data collection included flowering time, end of season stand counts, stem height, diameter, and final retted dry straw yield. We found differences among the varieties investigated in both years; however, no distinct trend was observed across years. All varieties investigated flowered at the end of August and beginning of September, allowing for a long growing season and ability to produce abundant biomass. In general, the Chinese genetics yielded higher stem biomass compared to previously reported European genetics. Stem thickness was >7.5 mm, which is generally considered the maximum width for textile‐grade fiber production. To achieve thinner stems from the varieties investigated, harvesting prior to male‐flower initiation may be required. The crop experienced temperatures below freezing in both years with no signs of damage. Taken together, farmers seeking to plant fiber hemp in North Carolina have a wide planting window from mid‐March to mid‐May using these Chinese varieties.

Effects of planting date and density on cotton cultivars in sub‐Saharan Africa rainfed conditions: A case study in Mali

AbstractMali is among Africa's three biggest cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)‐producing countries, and cotton growing is the principal driving force behind Mali's agricultural sector. Cotton production is rainfed on small‐scale family farms as a commercial crop alongside staple crops grown for subsistence. Cultivar choice, planting date, and planting density are critical elements for seed cotton yield that should be optimized. This study aimed to understand the interactions between planting dates and planting densities for the optimal production of four cotton cultivars in Mali. Two trials were set up in two seasons at the Finkolo and N'Tarla research stations. A split‐plot design with four replications was used, with planting dates (early and delayed by 3 weeks) as the main plots and planting density (41,666; 83,333; and 166,666 plants/ha) and cultivar (Malian NTA MS334, Togolese STAM 129A, Australian SIOKRA L23, and Brazilian BRS 293) as the subplots. In 2021, seed cotton yield was 1263 kg/ha for early planting versus 361 kg/ha for late planting. Medium and high planting densities produced the same yield level, higher than the low planting density. Regardless of the planting density, early plantings' average capsular weight and seed index were higher than those of late plantings. The African cultivars (STAM 129A and Malian cultivar NTA MS334) were the most productive. Due to significant interactions on fiber percentage and to optimize cotton yields in Mali, planting should be early, with planting densities higher than 41,666 plants/ha, and either of the African cultivars tested should be used.

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) hybrids

Effect of different planting dates on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) hybrids

BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS, DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF DISEASES IN POTATO CROPS USING PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

Objective. To study the effect of growth regulators and planting dates on chlorophyll content, quality indicators, disease susceptibility and yield of potato tubers. Methods. Field, namely visual and measurement-weight; laboratory; statistical; calculation-comparative. Results. In 2020-2023, comprehensive studies were conducted on the influence of growth regulators Phytosubtyl, IntraCell, Kartoplex and planting dates on the content of pigments in potato leaves, biochemical parameters of potato tubers and the yield of the ultra-early Radomysl and mid-ripening Myroslava varieties. The use of plant growth regulators on potatoes contributed to an increase in the level of yield and biochemical parameters of the crop. In particular, the greatest increase in tubers in both varieties was provided by the Kartoplex, increasing the yield by 12.0–25.3 %. Plant regulators had a positive effect on the starch and dry matter content of potato tubers. Thus, in comparison with the control variant, the starch content of the Myroslava variety increased by 1.7–2.1%, dry matter by 1.4–2.97%, and the Radomysl variety by 0.7–2.0 and 1.5–2.88%, respectively. The maximum value of vitamin C content was recorded in 2023 in the Myroslava variety 23.4, in the Radomysl variety 20.3 mg/%, and the minimum in 2022 – Myroslava 21.3, Radomysl 18.1 mg/%. On average, over the years of studies, the use of growth regulators contributed to an increase in the content of vitamin C in potato tubers of Radomysl and Myroslava varieties as follows: for the Radomysl variety – Phytosubtyl by 9.1–10.9 mg/%, IntraCell: by 2.8–5.1 mg/%, Kartoplex: by 11.8–14.0 mg/%; for the Myroslava variety: Phytosubtyl – an increase of 5.2–11.0 mg/%, IntraCell 6.8–8.3 mg/%, Kartoplex 16.2–18.1 mg/%. The analysis of variance of the obtained data showed that the following factors had the greatest influence on the content of the sum of chlorophylls in potato leaves: varietal characteristics (factor A): this factor had the greatest influence on the content of chlorophylls, the share of which was 34.9 %; planting time (factor B): the influence of this factor was 25.3%, growth regulators (factor C): their influence was 10.4%, the interaction of factors of planting time and variety (AB): the share of influence of this factor was 14.8%, the interaction of factors AB, BC and ABC: their influence was as follows: AB interaction: 4.1%, BC interaction: 3.4%, ABC interaction: 4.7. The results of tuberous analysis showed that the prevalence (in total) of diseases a month after harvesting was the highest in the control varient (8.9% in the Radomysl variety and 9.8% in the Myroslava variety). When tubers were treated with Phytosubtyl, the prevalence of diseases decreased by 47.2% for the Myroslava variety and 55.1% for the Radomysl variety. Discussion. The results of studies positively correlate with the developments of domestic and foreign scientists to study the influence of plant growth regulators on various aspects of technological and biochemical indicators of potato productivity. Conclusions. The influence of growth regulators Phytosubtyl, IntraCell, and Kartoplex on the biochemical components of plants and tubers, the development and spread of diseases that determine potato yield and productivity was studied.

Soybean planting dates and maturity groups: Maximizing yield potential and decreasing risk in Louisiana

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers in Louisiana began shifting to an early soybean production system (ESPS) in the early 2000s by planting earlier maturing varieties in April and May. Although this shift in planting practices has been supported by research elsewhere beginning in the mid‐1990s, there is minimum data focusing on the ESPS across Louisiana. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of planting date, maturity group (MG), and their combination across a comprehensive set of yield environments in the state of Louisiana to determine the combination of optimum planting date and MG for soybean production. We gathered field data from the 2013 to 2020 seasons originated from three Louisiana State University AgCenter research stations and four seed companies. A total of 428, 926, and 331 observations were analyzed from the Northeast, Central, and Southwest Louisiana regions, respectively. When including all data from across Louisiana, the optimum planting date was April 30. Breaking by regions, the average optimum planting date for the Northeast Louisiana region was April 9. The Central and Southwest results were divided by MG section, and the approximate optimum planting dates were April 15 and May 15, respectively. These results support the ESPS for the Northeast and Central Louisiana regions, but not for the Southwest Louisiana region. Optimizing planting recommendation is a critical component for supporting the development of varieties suitable for the southern production systems of the United States.

Effect of Different Planting Dates on Tuber Production in Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in Low Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

The research, entitled " Effect of different planting dates on tuber production in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh" was carried out at RHRTS Dhaulakuan, Ponta Sahib (HP). The study aimed to investigate the impact of different planting dates on tuber production in five dahlia cultivars (Anarkali, Gargi, Giani Zail Singh, Matungini and Suryadev) in low hill. Three planting dates (September 15th, October 15th and November 15th) were chosen for evaluating vegetative parameters. Plant height (109.61 cm) and internodal length (10.34 cm) both were found to be optimal in the cultivar Suryadev. Furthermore, the cultivar Matungini exhibited the highest plant spread (42.72 cm). In terms of tuber production, Anarkali demonstrated superior performance in tuber weight (368.90 g), and tuber yield per plot (2.00 kg). Conversely, Matungini excelled in the number of tubers per plant (4.69), tuber length (13.24 cm) and tuber diameter (30.25 mm), while Giani Zail Singh showcased the best tuber diameter. The planting date of October 15th was identified as highly suitable for optimal tuber production across all parameters under low hill climatic conditions.

The impact of planting dates and hybrid selection on sunflower seed yield and oil content

Suitable planting dates and hybrid selection are crucial in optimising yield, component traits and oil production in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In South Africa, there is limited information on the effects of planting dates on currently available sunflower hybrids in the marketplace. This study aimed to investigate the impact of planting dates on sunflower seed yield, oil content and oil yield, and to discern optimal planting dates for selected sunflower hybrids. Nineteen commercial sunflower hybrids were evaluated at three planting dates and three consecutive seasons in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The study used a complete block design with three replicates, and the standard analysis of variance was conducted. Significant differences were detected among seasons, planting dates, hybrids, and their interactions. The mean seed yield varied from 1.86 (LG 5678 CLP) to 2.50 tonnes ha−1 (PAN 7160 CLP). The oil content varied from 37.23 (P 65LP 54) to 53.16% (SY 3970 CLP), and the oil yield ranged from 0.74 (AGSUN 5101 CLP) to 1.25 tonnes ha−1 (LG 5710). Planting sunflowers in November and December resulted in the highest seed yield, oil content and oil yield, while planting in January and early February showed linear declines. January planting reduced 1 to 20%, 2 to 10%, and 3 to 26% in seed yield, oil content and oil yield, respectively. February planting significantly reduced seed yield by 72%, oil content by 20% and oil yield by 77%. The study recommended November and December as optimal sunflower planting dates in South Africa.

Adaptation strategies for cumin in Sabzevar, Iran: planting date and irrigation management

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to investigate the effect of planting date and irrigation on some characteristics of cumin cultivated in Iran. The experimental characteristics included three planting dates and five irrigation regimes. Irrigation at flowering + seed filling stage and full irrigation had the highest essential oil content (3.6%) and plant height (16.71 cm), respectively. On all planting dates, irrigation enhanced the total chlorophyll and carotenoids content, relative water content, umbel number plant−1, seed number umbel−1, 1,000-seed weight, and seed yield but reduced the proline content and water-use efficiency (WUE). The highest chlorophyll content (1.54 mg g−1 fresh weight (FW)), carotenoids content (0.35 mg g−1 FW), umbel number plant−1 (18.03), seed number umbel−1 (21.16), 1,000-seed weight (4.12 g), seed yield (1002.7 kg ha−1), and essential oil yield (22.13 kg ha−1) were obtained on 19 January and irrigation at the flowering + seed filling stages. The greatest amount of WUE (0.53 kg m−3) was measured on 9 January under no irrigation condition. Therefore, to produce cumin under similar climatic conditions, early planting of cumin in early January, along with two irrigations at the flowering and seed filling stages, is recommended.

Variations in soybean nutritional and anti‐nutritional quality based on location and planting dates

SummarySoybeans (Glycine max) are a preferred source of plant‐based proteins and oil in various applications in foods and feeds. When soybean is converted to soybean meal (SBM), the quality is determined by the protein content and its digestibility. Protein digestibility is reduced by anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors (TI) and processing. The abundant genetic variations in soybean germplasm affect the quantitative trait of protein content. This study analysed the effect of location and planting dates on genetically identical soybeans grown in North Carolina (NC) and then compared the nutritional traits to similar commonly grown soybean varieties in other locations in the USA. The soybeans were analysed using NIRS and wet chemistry. It was found that soybean protein content ranged from 38.14% to 44.92% among the different varieties grown in three different locations in NC. Similarly, TI levels ranged between 28.22 and 33.11 mg g−1 among these varieties. The same varieties, when planted as either a full season or double crop, had different TI levels and were also impacted by planting location. However, there were no significant differences in the TI levels between the varieties and planting seasons. Furthermore, no significant difference in protein content among the varieties within the planting dates was found. Compared to soybeans grown in other parts of the USA, the average crude protein (CP) content was similar to those grown in Arkansas and Minnesota. The TI levels were significantly higher than those grown in Ohio, similar to that of Arkansas, and significantly lower than that of Minnesota.

Planting date and tillage effects on yield and nutrient uptake of two sorghum cultivars grown in sub-humid and semi-arid regions in South Africa

IntroductionSorghum is emerging as a viable crop option to increase food production under changing climate due to its resilience to drought and marginal soils. Appropriate planting date, crop cultivars, type of tillage and rotations, under contrasting climatic conditions, could make significant contribution on the effective management of sorghum under changing climatic conditions. A short-term study was carried out to investigate the effects of planting date, crop cultivar, tillage type and rotations on the growth and primary nutrient uptake of sorghum in contrasting climatic regions.MethodsThe study was conducted in Free State - (FS) and KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Provinces of South Africa over two seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22). The two cultivars (Pan8816 and Macia) were sown in December (PD1) and in January (PD2) under conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) and with two rotations (Sorghum-Cowpea-Sorghum and Sorghum-Sorghum-Sorghum) resulting in 2×2×2×2 factorial experiment.Results and discussionIn KZN, in both the first (2020/21) and second (2021/22) seasons, the effects of all the factors, except cultivar in the second season, were not significant on yield, and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). In the second season, Pan8816 (4.40 t/ha) produced 3.3 times higher yield than Macia (1.32 t/ha), and took up higher N, K and P. In FS, the early planted sorghum (1.15 t/ha for season one; 3.39 t/ha for season two) had significantly higher yield than late planted sorghum (0.434 and 0.91 t/ha for seasons one and two, respectively). Furthermore, the early-planted crops took up higher N, K and P than when planted late, while Pan8816 took up 1.74 times more P than Macia. Plants grown under CT (2.61 t/ha) produced significantly higher yield than under NT (1.70 t/ha), with plants under CT taking up significantly more K than those grown on NT. These findings suggest that in the drier FS, early planting under conventional tillage, while in the wetter KZN, selecting the appropriate cultivar (PAN8816), are essential for sorghum grain yield, at least in the short-term.