Sorghum: The Smart Crop for a Thirsty Future. How Sorghum Outperformed Maize in a Water-Limited Trial in Southern Spain

As droughts become more frequent and water becomes increasingly scarce, farmers across Europe are rethinking what they grow. One crop is standing out for its ability to thrive in dry conditions: sorghum.

Why Sorghum?

Sorghum is naturally drought-tolerant and uses significantly less water than traditional crops like maize. That makes it a smart choice for regions like southern Spain, where hot, dry summers are becoming the norm and water resources are under pressure. Despite its potential, sorghum is still not widely grown in Spain. In 2024, the country imported over 57,000 tons of sorghum—mostly for animal feed—highlighting the need to boost local production.

Putting Sorghum to the Test

To evaluate how sorghum performs under real-world drought conditions, Advanta Seeds, in partnership with UPL Iberia, conducted a field trial near Seville, one of the driest farming regions in Spain. The findings were recently shared at the 4th EU Sorghum Congress in Budapest, where delegates saw firsthand how sorghum can thrive with limited water.

Here’s how the trial was set up:

• Five grain sorghum hybrids and one local maize hybrid were planted in May 2025.
• Irrigation was based on sorghum’s water needs, meaning maize received less water than it typically would.
• The season was exceptionally dry, with only two rain events in May.
• Crops were harvested in August, and both water use and grain yield were carefully measured.

Results: 

Even with the same amount of water, sorghum outperformed maize. The best-performing sorghum hybrid, Bianca, produced 7.2 tons per hectare, compared to 5.2 tons for maize. It also used water more efficiently producing more grain per drop.

What This Means for Farmers

This trial proves that sorghum isn’t just a backup crop—it’s a climate-smart solution. It delivers strong yields, uses water wisely, and can help reduce Europe’s dependence on imported feed grains.

As climate change continues to reshape agriculture, sorghum offers a resilient and sustainable path forward.

Advanta Seeds, through its premium brand Alta Seeds, is committed to supporting European farmers with cutting-edge sorghum hybrids designed to perform under drought and other climate challenges.