Agronomic and economic feasibility of growing corn ( Zea mays L.) with different levels of tillage and dairy manure in Quebec

Abstract

In order to assess the agronomic and economic feasibility of growing corn under reduced tillage using manure as a source of fertilizer, a study of silage and grain corn ( Zea mays L.) production using three levels of tillage (conventional, reduced and zero till) and two types of fertilizer (inorganic fertilizer and dairy manure) was initiated on a clay soil and a sandy loam soil in 1981 at Macdonald College. Results obtained between 1983 and 1986 showed that good yields could be obtained with zero and reduced tillage in combination with inorganic fertilizers. The use of dairy manure in combination with conventional and reduced tillage resulted in good plant yields at the sandy loam site but decreased plant yield at the clay site. The practice of zero till in combination with manure resulted in difficulties with weed control, poor seed emergence and a greater risk of frost damage in the spring. The costs of production were lowest when zero till was used in association with inorganic fertilizers.