Abstract
ABSTRACT Poor maize (Zea mays L.) germination is a problem with spring planting in cold soils in eastern Newfoundland (NL), Canada. Field experiments were conducted in 2000,2001, and 2002 to determine the effects of plastic mulch on agronomic and quality traits of silage maize hybrids. The hybrids were Pioneer 39NO3, Dekalb DKC26-75, Hyland HLS014 and Pickseed ExSile, abbreviated as PI, DK, HL and EX, and having corn heat units (CHU) ratings of 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2400, respectively. These were planted on 26 to 30 May of each year when soil temperature was about 10°C. At planting, half of each plot was plastic covered (PC) and the other half was not covered (NC). Temperature data were taken from air and soil (0.05 m depth) both inside and outside the plastic. The plots were harvested in early October when the kernel milk line was between 50 and 75%. Maximum air and soil temperatures were between 3.5-10.3°C higher under PC than on NC plots. A significant year × hybrid interaction was observed because poor...
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