Hydroponic corn (Zea mays L.) fodder production through the implementation of mineral fertilization: a comparative study

Abstract

R Objective: To produce hydroponic corn forage using a mineral fertilization planning with three different seed types and to determine the optimal concentration for production and livestock feeding. Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized experimental design was used. The following study variables were included in the design: plant height, root length, stalk thickness, and fresh biomass. Five hundred grams of three different variety seeds were selected, washed, disinfected, soaked, covered, aerated, and placed in plastic trays. Starting from the fifth day, the seeds were watered with formulated solutions until the end of production. Results: Plant height reached 17.25 cm, at a 50% concentration; root were 12.55 cm long, at a 25% concentration with Sinaloa seeds; stalks were 2.40 mm thick, at a 25% concentration with Bajío seeds; and biomass recorded 1.184 kg at a 50% concentration with Sinaloa seeds. Study Limitations/Implications: A greenhouse is not essential for fodder production, as long as the minimum necessary conditions (light, humidity, and temperature) are met. Findings/Conclusions: The 50% nutrient solution had a positive influence on the study variables that used Sinaloa variety seeds. Therefore, hydroponics would be a reliable and practical technique for producers, useful during periods of prolonged drought; it would significantly counteract agroclimatological setbacks in the agricultural, livestock, and environmental sectors.