Agriculture and Environment: Sorghum

Introduction

The primary environmental problems for sorghum production arise, ironically, from its unique plant characteristics.

Sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop. Breeding has made it even more so. As a consequence, production is expanding into more marginal areas.

In addition, the sorghum plant has certain chemical defences that can poison animals or water supplies if the crop or effluent from it is mishandled.

Other environmental problems from sorghum production include habitat conversion and habitat degradation, soil erosion and degradation, use of agrochemicals, and fire hazards.