Response of irrigated corn silage to seeding rate and row spacing in southern Alberta

Abstract

A field study was conducted to determine if high seeding rates were economically beneficial for irrigated corn silage production in southern Alberta. On average, 84% of seeds produced a plant, with 12% higher plant establishment in narrow (38 cm) than wide (76 cm) rows. Row spacing did not significantly affect yield, but maximum profitability was attained with a lower seeding rate for narrow rows. Whole-plant dry matter yields and net income were increased by 13% when seeding rates were increased from 64 000 to 74 000 seeds ha-1, but were not significantly affected by seeding rates from 74 000 to 114 000 seeds ha-1. The ideal seeding rate within this range may vary due to site specific conditions. Forage quality was unaffected by seeding rate. Key words: Corn, Zea mays L., irrigated silage production, quality, plant population, row spacing