Fodder Maize Research Articles

Productivity and profitability improvement of fodder maize under combined application of indigenously prepared panchagavya with organic and inorganic sources of nutrient

Irrational use of chemical fertilizers creates harmful effects on soil health and thus, led to a drop in crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains region (IGPR) of India. Organic nutrient sources such as Panchagavya and PGPR can be used to replace some proportion of chemical fertilizers to sustain productivity and soil health in the IGPR belt. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of integrated use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures and bio-fertilizers such as Panchagavya and PGPR on the productivity and economic feasibility of different maize cultivars. Results indicated that the J-1006 cultivar showed significantly higher fodder yield, nutrient use efficiencies and profitability than P-3396 and African Tall during both years. Though, nutrient content and accumulation were statistically at par with J-1006 and P-3396, but superior over African Tall. Among nutrient management, the maize fertilized with 75% RDF + PGPR +Panchagavya spray showed significantly higher fodder yield, nutrient content, accumulation, nutrient use efficiencies and net returns compared to control and 100% RDF. Overall, the growing of maize cv. J-1006 with the application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray can be recommended to enhance fodder productivity, nutrient accumulation and profitability in the IGPR belt of India.

Effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and serum antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer.

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% on dry matter basis for 9 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of chopped green maize fodder. Milk production and its fat % were recorded twice daily, whereas for the remaining components samples were collected weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p<0.05) milk yield, production efficiency, and nutrient utilization at all three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. A numerical but non-significant (p>0.05) increase in performance was noticed with higher doses of Bet. Superoxide dismutase in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase in Bet 0.2% inclusion level were higher (p<0.05) as compared to the control. However, malondialdehyde was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in the concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on the dry matter basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer.

Impact of industrial effluent on morphological characteristics of maize fodder

Industrial effluent (IE) is a serious threat to human, plant and aquatic lives. This study was carried out to assess the impact of IE on morphological characteristics of maize fodder at different stages of growth. The pot experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design using five treatments with eight replications at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur and IE was collected from the discharge points of the nearest garments located at BSMRAU. The treatments were T1, 100% FW (fresh water); T2, 75% FW + 25% IE; T3, 50% FW + 50% IE; T4, 25% FW + 75% IE; T5, 100% IE. The results indicated that IE decreased plant height and plant dry weight for all stages. Leaves number was reduced at the maturity stage in the IE treatments. No influence was observed on leaf length by IE. Higher concentrations of IE also influenced smaller leaf width at the vegetative stage. Root length was reduced for the application of IE at the maturity and vegetative stage. Root dry weight was higher for T1 and T3 at the flowering stage and T3 at the maturity stage. Hence, it may be concluded that IE had negative effect on the morphological characteristics of maize fodder. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 38-44, March 2023

Effect of Nitrogen and Intercropping with Lablab Bean (Lablab purpureus) on Growth of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Two Irrigation Frequencies *

A field experiment was conducted during 2000/01 and 2001/02winter seasons at the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University ofKhartoum, to study the effects of nitrogen and intercropping with lablabbean (Lablab purpureus) on growth of fodder maize under two irrigationfrequencies using a randomized complete block design. Irrigationintervals of 10 and 20 days were applied four weeks after planting.Nitrogen at a rate of 0 and 88 kg N/ha was applied two weeks aftersowing. Planting methods were pure stand of maize, alternating rows andalternating holes of maize and lablab bean. Nitrogen applicationsignificantly increased, LAI in the second season. It reduced days to 50%tasseling and silking significantly. Intercropping significantly increasedplant height and shoot dry weight in the second season, but reduced LAIsignificantly during both seasons. Days to 50% tasseling and silking werenot affected by intercropping. Prolonging irrigation interval to twentydays had no significant effect on most vegetative growth parameters;however, it reduced days to 50% silking significantly. Plant populationwas, also, not affected by irrigation intervals.

Energy Budgeting and Carbon Footprints Estimation of Fodder Maize Varieties Sown under Different Nutrient Management Practices in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Inappropriate agricultural practices consume more input energy and emit higher greenhouse gases (GHGs) which cause global warming and climate change, thereby threatening environmental sustainability. To identify energy and carbon-efficient varieties and nutrient management practices, the present study was undertaken during the kharif season of 2018 and 2019 in a split-plot design with three varieties of fodder maize (African Tall, J-1006 and P-3396) and four nutrient management practices such as N0: Absolute control, N1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), N2: 75% RDF + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) + Panchagavya spray and N3: 50% RDF + 25% farmyard manure (FYM) + PGPR + Panchagavya spray). Results indicated that variety J-1006 and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray produced significantly higher dry fodder yield. Among the varieties, J-1006 recorded the highest total energy output (224,123 MJ ha−1), net energy (211,280 MJ ha−1), energy use efficiency (17.64), energy productivity (0.98 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (16.64), and lowest specific energy (1.03 MJ ha−1). Regarding nutrient management, 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray fetched the highest total energy output (229,470 MJ ha−1) and net energy (215,482 MJ ha−1). However, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and energy profitability were significantly higher with integrated nutrient management (N2 and N3) over 100% RDF. Concerning the carbon estimation, J-1006 resulted in a significantly higher carbon output (5479 kg CE ha−1), net carbon gain (5029 kg CE ha−1), carbon efficiency (12.46), carbon sustainability index (11.46), and significantly lower carbon footprint per unit yield (CFy) (131.3 kg CO2-e Mg−1). For nutrient management, the application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray showed significantly higher carbon output (5609 kg CE ha−1) and net carbon gain (5112 kg CE ha−1). However, significantly higher carbon efficiency, carbon sustainability index, and lower CFy were reported with integrated nutrient management over 100% RDF. Overall, selecting the J-1006 variety and applying 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray for fodder maize cultivation could be the most productive in terms of dry fodder production, energy, and carbon efficiency approach.

Effect of micronutrients and sulfur enriched phyto-biochars on yield, tissue concentrations and uptake of these nutrients in fodder maize (Zea mays L.) and post-harvest soil properties

A pot culture experiment was conducted to examine the effect of low doses (equivalent to 0.5 t ha−1) of phyto-biochars (lantana, pine needles and wheat straw) pyrolyzed at 300 and 450 °C which were enriched with 0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) (micronutrients and S) prior to soil application on yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of fodder maize (Zea mays L.). The dry matter yields of fodder maize increased significantly with the application of enriched phyto-biochars in comparison to direct soil application of all the corresponding levels of RDF. The highest dry matter yield (24.05 g pot−1) was obtained with wheat straw biochar pyrolyzed at 450 °C enriched with 75% of RDF; which was 140.0% higher over the control (10.02 g pot−1) and 34.6% higher over the direct application of 75% of RDF, respectively. The concentrations of micronutrients and S in maize tissue and their total uptakes by maize were differentially influenced by different enriched phyto-biochars, however, the application of some enriched phyto-biochar significantly increased the total uptakes of Zn, Fe, Mn, and B by maize. The changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity and readily oxidizable soil organic C contents after the harvest of maize crop have been reported. The use of enriched phyto-biochars significantly increased the contents of soil extractable Zn, Fe, Mn, B and S in soil after the harvest of maize.

Growth, phenology and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) as affected by intercropping systems and application of nutrients level to intercrops

An experiment was carried out during kharif season for the two consecutive years (2015 and 2016) at Students Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the performance of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] as influenced by intercropping systems and application of different nutrients levels to intercrops. Plant height, dry matter accumulation and seed yield of pigeonpea were not influenced by different intercropping systems and nutrients levels applied to intercrops. Pigeonpea equivalent yield was significantly affected by intercropping systems and nutrients levels applied to intercrops. Among the different intercropping systems and planting patterns, maximum pigeonpea equivalent yield of 18.4 and 19 q/ha was recorded with pigeonpea (50 x 25 cm) + maize fodder intercropping system during 2015 and 2016, respectively, which was statistically superior than all other intercropping systems with different planting patterns. The application of 100% recommended dose of nutrients to the intercrops resulted in the significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (16.3 and 17.3 q/ha) than the 50% recommended dose (14.9 and 16 q/ha) and control (13.7 and 14.4 q/ha) during both the years.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of NBPT and NPPT Application as a Urease Carrier in Fertilization of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Ensiling

The study presents the results of a 3-year field trial aimed at assessing the yield and quality of raw material for ensiling in the cultivation of three maize varieties differing in their agronomic and genetic profile, conditioned by the selection of nitrogen fertilizer. Maize cultivar ES Metronom showed a significant advantage over other cultivars when fertilized with UltraGrain stabile, or alternatively Super N-46. The application of nitrogen-stabilized fertilizers or urea + N-Lock significantly increased the yield of maize green fodder for ensiling. The “stay-green” maize cultivars were characterized by a higher content of non-structural carbohydrates, including starch and water-soluble sugars, and a lower content of structural carbohydrates, compared to the conventional cultivar, which increased their suitability for ensiling. The negative effect of maize fertilization with ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate + N-Lock on the chemical composition of green fodder was demonstrated by a reduced starch content and increased structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and NDF. In turn, the positive effect of maize fertilization with urea and urea + N-Lock on the chemical composition of maize fodder was shown by increased starch content and reduced structural carbohydrate contents, including crude fiber and its NDF and ADF fractions. The analysis of the number and weight of leaves may indicate a highly effective utilization of nitrogen (“stay-green” maize hybrids), leading to the faster formation of leaves with a larger assimilation surface, which is the basis for the efficient absorption of solar radiation. The results obtained clearly show that only the correct choice of maize variety for silage cultivation, combined with nitrogen fertilizer guaranteeing access to N during the growing season, can guarantee a high yield for ensiling.

Ridge Cultivation for the Adaption of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) to Suboptimal Conditions of Low Mountain Ranges in Organic Farming in Central Europe

Fodder maize cultivation under low mountain conditions in Central Europe presents obstacles for organic dairy farmers; low temperatures and high precipitation values in spring delay the juvenile development of maize, which leads to lower and fluctuating yields. Increasing the soil temperature during the critical growth phase of maize in spring is beneficial for maize cultivation. For this reason, 0.15 m high ridge-row cultivation (RCM) of maize was compared to a typical flat surface cultivation method (FCM) with 0.75 m row spacing in three environments (En) in 2017, 2018 and 2020 on-farm at low mountain sites in Germany. In the experiment, with randomised block design and one-factorial arrangement, soil temperature (ST) at 0.05 m soil depth at midday, field emergence (FE) 4, 8, 16 and 20 days after sowing (DAS), dry matter yields (DM) in every En and plant development and N, P, K content in En 2020 were investigated. RCM led to a significantly higher ST 4 DAS in every En, 12 and 20 days in 2018 and 8 and 16 DAS in 2020. RCM did not accelerate maize FE but positively impacted plant development and starch content. RCM generated a higher dry matter (DM) yield of whole maize plants and corn cobs, and a higher protein yield than FCM. RCM slightly increased the plant-available P and Mg content from 0 to 0.3 m and influenced significantly the mineral N content from 0 to 0.3 m at the beginning of grain development. RCM, a simple cultivation technique, demonstrated benefits for maize cultivation, particularly for climatically marginal locations in Germany.

Effect of freshwater and wastewater irrigation on buildup of toxic elements in soil and maize crop.

Untreated wastewater is routinely used for agricultural activities in water-stressed regions, thereby causing severe ecological risks by various pollutants. Hence, management strategies are needed to cope with the environmental issues related to wastewater use in agriculture. This pot study evaluates the effect of mixing either freshwater (FW) or groundwater (GW) with sewage water (SW) on the buildup of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and maize crop. Results revealed that SW of Vehari contains high levels of Cd (0.08mg L-1) and Cr (2.3mg L-1). Mixing of FW and GW with SW increased soil contents of As (22%) and decreased Cd (1%), Cu (1%), Fe (3%), Mn (9%), Ni (9%), Pb (10%), and Zn (4%) than SW "alone" treatment. Risk indices showed high-degree of soil-contamination and very-high ecological risks. Maize accumulated considerable concentrations of PTEs in roots and shoot with bioconcentration factor > 1 for Cd, Cu, and Pb and transfer factor > 1 for As, Fe, Mn, and Ni. Overall, mixed treatments increased plant contents of As (118%), Cu (7%), Mn (8%), Ni (55%), and Zn (1%), while decreased those of Cd (7%), Fe (5%), and Pb (1%) compared to SW "alone" treatments. Risk indices predicted possible carcinogenic risks to cow (CR 0.003 > 0.0001) and sheep (CR 0.0121 > 0.0001) due to consumption of maize fodder containing PTEs. Hence, to minimize possible environmental/health hazards, mixing of FW and GW with SW can be an effective strategy. However, the recommendation greatly depends on the composition of mixing waters.

Study the Effect of Feeding of Hydroponics Maize Fodder on Nutrient Utilization Efficiency in Gir Cows

Study the Effect of Feeding of Hydroponics Maize Fodder on Nutrient Utilization Efficiency in Gir Cows

Evaluation of weed vermicomposts on maize crop

A field experiment was conducted on the research farm of Dr. BabasahebAmbedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad to evaluate the performance of weed vermicomposts on the growth of maize crop. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments and four replicates. The treatments were Achyranthes vermicompost (AV), Cassia vermicompost (CV), Tephrosia vermicompost (TV), mixed vermicompost (MV), fertilizer (FE) and control (CO). The fodder maize (cv. African Tall) was sown at the rate of 100 kg/ha. The fertilizers were applied as N, P and K at the rate of 120, 80 and 40 kg/ha. The observations were recorded at 86 days after sowing (DAS). Based on the results, it is concluded that the combination of Cassia vermicompost (CV) and inorganic fertilizers was more effective in increasing the growth of maize crop as compared to other treatments.

Effects of Xylanase and Bacterial Inoculants on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Pattern of Seasonal Pasture Hay and Green Maize Based Silage

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylanase and bacterial inoculants on in vitro rumen fermentation pattern of seasonal pasture hay and green maize based silage. Different silages were prepared by using green maize fodder and seasonal pasture hay in the proportion of 10:0 &amp; 7:3 ratio in plastic jars of 3 kg capacity by adding common salt @ 0.5%, urea @ 1% and molasses @ 1.5% in each silage with seven different treatments, viz., Control (only green maize), PH (green maize and seasonal pasture hay in 7:3 ratio), X (PH added with xylanase), LP (PH added with L. plantarum), LF (PH added with L. fermentum), LPLF (PH added with both bacterial inoculants) and XLPLF (PH added with xylanase and both bacterial inoculants). Xylanase, L. plantarum and L. fermentum were used @ 1500 IU/g, 1 x 106 cfu/g and 2 x 106 cfu/g, respectively. All silages were used for in vitro study after 45 days of ensiling. None of the additives affected rumen pH. IVDMD (in vitro dry matter degradability ) was found significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in X, XLPLF and LPLF silages. All additives significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased IVOMD (in vitro organic matter degradability) except LF silage as compared to PH silage. Values for total gas production and TVFA (Total volatile fatty acids) production were significantly (p&lt;0.001) increased during in vitro rumen fermentation and that of PF (partitioning factor) were significantly (p&lt;0.001) decreased in all additives inoculated silages as compared to PH silage. Content of NH3-N (Ammonia nitrogen) was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in LP silage and that of total N was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in X, LP, XLPLF silages as compared to PH silage during in vitro study. It could be concluded that xylanase and lactic acid bacterial (LAB) inoculants improved rumen fermentation quality of silage. Among all additives, xylanase is the best silage additive to improve in vitro rumen fermentation pattern.

EFFECT OF REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE FODDER WITH MAIZE SILAGE ON DRY MATTER INTAKE, WEIGHT GAIN &amp; FEED EFFICIENCY IN BUFFALO MALE CALVES

The experiment was conducted to examine the replacement of maize fodder withmaize silage on dry matter intake, weight gain and feed efficiency in male buffalo calves. Total of 18no. of young male buffalo calves with body weight of 250 + 20 kg and having age around 24 monthswere randomly distributed into three groups containing 6 in each group.A diet of 16% Crude Proteinand 2.1 Mcal/kg energy was prepared and fed to calves at the rate of 1% of live body weight in allexperimental groups. Apart from concentrate, 16 kg of maize fodder was offered to each calves ofgroup A, 08 kg of maize fodder and 08 kg of maize silage to animals of group. Whereas 16kg of maizesilage was individually given to buffalo calves of group C. The experiment was continued for 90 daysfollowed by 10 days which were served for adjustment period. The group A, B and C had dry matterintake (DMI) of 4.82, 4.83 and 4.27 kg respectively. They posed a significant difference (P&lt;0.0001)among three groups. Whereas the difference was non significant difference (P=0.39) in terms of dailyweight gain. The average daily growth rate was 0.90, 0.92 and 0.91 kg for groups A, B and Crespectively. The feed efficiency (feed intake per unit gain) of group C was the lowest i.e. 5.18followed by group B 5.54 and highest feed efficiency value was 6.13, observed in group A. Thedifference was significant (P&lt;0.0001) for feed efficiency

Varying weed management treatments impact on weeds and fodder yield relationship in fodder maize

Varying weed management treatments impact on weeds and fodder yield relationship in fodder maize

Productivity and profitability of fodder-maize legume mixtures under rainfed temperate condition of Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 to study the effect of different fodder maize-legume mixtures on productivity and profitability. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments of fodder maize and fodder legumes with three sole treatments of maize, cowpea and soybean, four intercropped treatments of maize-cowpea and maize-soybean in ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 and three mixed cropped treatments of maize- cowpea, maize-soybean (70% and 30%) and maize, cowpea and soybean (70%, 15%, 15%). Results revealed that system productivity and benefit-cost ratio of sole fodder maize were comparable to the intercropping of fodder maize with soybean in 2:1 row ratio.

Variation of plant height and ear insertion height traits in short-season maize hybrids under the optimal and late sowing dates

Topicality. In light of the intensification of agriculture towards more rational utilisation of land resources and the growing season, given the importance of stubble and postcut fodder maize crops in fodder production and maize adaptability to the conditions of the Steppe zone, it is important to study the growth processes of maize under late sowing. Namely, the study of the influence of late sowing date on such traits as plant height and insertion height of the first productive ear for early ripening hybrids, the share of which in maize grain production is increasing. Purpose. To establish the most stable hybrid combinations by studying the variability of plant height and ear insertion height in early ripening maize hybrids under two sowing dates. Methods. Hybridization was used for developing hybrid material; laboratory and field method – to determine morphobiological traits of maize hybrids; measuring weight - to determine metric traits of plants; mathematical and statistical method – to determine the reliability of results, indicators of trait variability, and the correlation of traits. Results. The study of early ripening maize hybrids developed by crossing the most common germplasms under two sowing dates revealed that hybrids of heterotic models Iodent×Flint and Iodent×Mix had stably high values of the plant height trait at both sowing dates; hybrids of heterotic models Iodent×Flint and Iodent×Mix and Mix×Flint had stably high values of the insertion height of first productive ear at both sowing dates. Conclusions. We have identified the hybrid combinations DK4173SVZM×DK367, DK4172×DK367, MS381MV×DK367, MS555×DK367 (heterotic model Iodent×Mix), and DK4173SVZM×DK2073 (heterotic model Iodent×Flint), which were characterised by stably high values of the plant height trait, as well as the hybrid combinations DK4172×DK4538 (heterotic model Iodent×Flint), DK4172×DK367 (heterotic model Iodent×Mix), and DK2659×DK4538 (heterotic model Mix×Flint), which were characterised by stably high values of the insertion height of first productive ear at both sowing dates. The correlation between plant height and the ear insertion height of maize hybrids was confirmed for both sowing dates in all heterotic models studied. Key words: common maize, breeding, prematurity, plant height, ear insertion height, sowing dates, line, single-cross hybrids

Effect of weather variables on banded leaf and sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) of fodder maize and its integrated management

Effect of weather variables on banded leaf and sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) of fodder maize and its integrated management

Integrated weed management in fodder maize crop in North-West India

Integrated weed management in fodder maize crop in North-West India

Effect of hydroponic maize fodder on the reproductive performance of tellicherry does

Jemimah, E.R., Gnanaraj, P.T., Sivakumar, T., Gopinathan, A., Sundaram, S.M. and Venkataramanan R. 2023. Effect of hydroponic maize fodder on the reproductive performance of Tellicherry does. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 23: 87–95.