Adaptability of feed sorghum to the saline–alkali area of Yinbei, Ningxia

In this study, in which we sought to screen high-yielding, high-quality forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties that are well-adapted to the saline–alkali regions in Yinbei, Ningxia, we cultivated eight hand-selected high-quality forage sorghum varieties in 2022, a year marked by warm and humid climatic conditions. During the field trials, the growth period of each variety was closely monitored, and agronomic traits, including plant height, stem diameter, and leaf characteristics, were comprehensively surveyed. In addition, the hay yield was accurately measured, and the nutritional quality, including aspects such as protein content, fiber composition, and carbohydrate levels, was precisely determined via the application advanced assessment methods. Subsequently, a comprehensive assessment was conducted by applying the grey correlation method, a sophisticated statistical approach for analyzing multi-variable relationships. The experimental results revealed that the coefficient of variation of the agronomic traits among the eight forage sorghum varieties ranged from 2.89% to 8.57%, whereas with respect to nutritional quality indicators, coefficient of variation values ranged between 4.64% and 31.22%. Notably, the coefficients of variation for sugar weight, starch, and relative feeding value were conspicuously high, thereby indicating a substantial potential for improvement via genetic modification and optimized cultivation techniques. The ranking of varieties based on grey correlation analysis was as follows: Guangmingxing > Zhongketian 438 > Haishi > Daka > F10 > Hercules = Award 1230 > Hainiu. On the basis of the findings of our comprehensive analysis, taking into account multiple key factors such as yield, quality, and growth period, it was evident that Guangmingxing and Zhongketian 438 were characterized by best overall performances. We accordingly believe that these two varieties would be highly suitable for promotion and large-scale cultivation in the saline–alkali areas of northern Ningxia.