Silage Yield Research Articles

Phosphate Fertilizer Type and Liming Affect the Growth and Phosphorus Uptake of Two Maize Cultivars

In the context of phosphorus (P) exhaustion and low P use efficiency (PUE) in crop production, a field trial was designed on a low-P soil in southwestern Germany in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the effects of P fertilizer type and liming on maize growth and P uptake and PUE. The experimental factors were (i) two P fertilizer types, rock phosphate (RP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP); (ii) lime application, lime and no lime; and (iii) two maize cultivars. The results showed that RP resulted in a lower leaf area index and light interception compared with DAP, a 33% lower silage yield, and a 29% lower P content at harvest. The PUE of RP was 18%, which was 37% lower than DAP. Soil liming reduced shoot biomass and led to 35% less shoot P content at the six-leaf stage. The maize cultivar Stabil expressed higher yielding and P acquisition characteristics. In conclusion, DAP cannot be replaced by placed RP, regardless of the lime application in silage maize production in this study. Future research on the PUE of maize cultivars should also consider root characteristics in response to P fertilizer type and soil pH.

The Quality of Silage and Yield in Hungarian Vetch and Forage Crops and Rye Intercropping System

The aim of the study was to determine silage yield and quality of Hungarian vetch/forage pea (V/P) with rye (R) mixed in an intercropping system that provides maximum level of faulting from the field. The field experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 to examine the effects of different binary sowing ratio (20:80%R/P, 40:60%R/P, 60:40%R/P; 80:20%R/P; 20:80%R/V, 40:60%R/V, 60:40%R/V; 80:20%R/V, 100%R, 100%P, 100%V) in 3 replications. The treatments were harvested in July 2022 for silage, and hay yield and fresh yield were determined in the intercropping treatments before ensiling. On the same day, silages were filled by the same mix ratios in plastic cans. After fermentation, the dry matter ratio, pH, sucrose, crude protein, ADF, NDF, mineral matters and organic acid were defined in silages. Before ensiling the highest fresh and dry yield were obtained from 80:20%R/P. Yield values were decreased by increase of rye ratio in the mix. The dry matter, crude protein, lactic acid formation, the inhibition of undesirable micro‐organisms and nutritional quality has been improved in rye silages prepared with H. vetch and F. pea contribute. Consequently, the combinations of the H. vetch and F. pea contribute to rye silage are complementary, and the intercropping of the binary combination made profitable forage yield and silage quality, according to sole treatments. The positive effects in the investigated parameters are in all mixed ratios, but, 80:20R/P, 60:40R/P and 80:20R/V silages were more superior to the others.

The Effect of Different Forms of Titanium Dioxide on the Yield, Chemical and Microbiological Parameters of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Herbage and Silage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of three forms of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and their effect on the yield, chemical and microbiological quality of perennial ryegrass herbage and silage. Two types of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and a commercial product, labeled here as TiO2Com, were selected for the studies. The yield and chemical parameters of herbage did not improve significantly in response to the TiO2 treatment, in comparison to the control group (CONT). The crude protein content of silage was significantly lower in the TiO2Com-treated group than in the TiO2NPs2 group (117 vs. 129 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)). The use of water-soluble carbohydrates during fermentation was limited in the TiO2NPs2 and TiO2Com groups. The fermentation pattern was similar for each investigated group, and a significant difference in pH values was noted between the TiO2NPs2 (pH = 4.49) and CONT (pH = 4.68) group. Lactic acid concentration was the highest in the TiO2NPs1 group (94.8 g kg−1 DM), and the difference relative to the CONT group (83.2 g kg−1 DM) was statistically significant. It was concluded that TiO2 and its nanoparticles have the potential to improve the physicochemical and microbiological quality of herbage and silage.

Doğu Akdeniz koşullarında ikinci ürün olarak yetiştirilen bazı hibrit mısır genotiplerinde tane ve yem verimi ile yem kalite özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi

This research was conducted in order to guide farmers and researchers by determining grain, forage yield and yield-related traits and forage quality of different parts of the whole plant in some maize cultivars in Eastern Mediterranean ecological conditions. In this study, it was assessed grain and forage yield and fodder quality of four maize cultivars (PR91G98, SY Castaneda, SY Gladius, and SY Tuscani) cultivated under the Estern Mediterranean conditions. To determine forage quality, ear, stem and leaves of the whole plant maize were analyzed separately. To evaluate grain and forage yield, parameters like plant height, stem diameter, hay yield, dry matter yield, green leaf yield, green stem yield, ear weight, green ear yield were investigated while features such as crude protein, crude ash, organic matter, NDF, ADF, digestibility of dry matter, dry matter intake and relative feed value were examined to determine forage quality. The new maize cultivars have been updated continually; it is important to clarify the responses of new varieties to agronomic practices and forage yield, quality, grain yield, and related traits. The results of this study revealed that ear is very important for forage yield and quality. The greatest hay and grain yield were produced by PR31G98 maize cultivar. It was observed SY Tuscani had higher NDF and ADF values than other maize varieties. With this study, the importance of nutrient content according to silage yield and plant parts in second crop corn cultivation was determined. In addition, research results showed important source data for farmers and researchers regarding forage and grain yield of maize farming and production area is continually increasing.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ И АДАПТИВНОСТИ ГИБРИДОВ КУКУРУЗЫ ООО «КВС РУС» НА СЕРЫХ ЛЕСНЫХ ПОЧВАХ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

The article presents the results of research conducted to study the productivity and adaptability of corn hybrids of the company "KVS RUS" LLC on gray forest soils of the Ancestral region of the Republic of Tatarstan. Cromwell and Rodriguez hybrids are siliceous, plastic, universal use with FAO 180. Bodor is a hybrid with dynamic growth in the early stages of development, FAO 170, suitable for grain and silage. Nestor is a hybrid with a high potential for grain productivity, FAO 190, adapts well to stressful conditions. Lionel is one of the early–maturing hybrids of the KVS RUS line. It is the leader for testing in the territory of the Russian Federation. It is cultivated for silage and grain, FAO 180. Frederico is a hybrid with a stable yield of grain and silage. It has a good ratio of starch and easily digested fiber, FAO 190. Studies have shown that the tallest plants are formed in Frederico hybrids – 169.9 cm and Bodor – 149.2 cm (measurements were carried out during the sweeping phase). The shortest plants were formed in the hybrid Nestor 124.6 cm. The feeding potential was manifested in the hybrids of Frederico and Lionel. The aboveground mass of these hybrids was 23.3 and 18.7 t/ha, respectively. The smallest aboveground mass was formed in the hybrid Nestor 14.6 t/ha. The largest assimilation surface of leaves was formed in Lionel hybrids – 48.6 thousand m2/ha and Frederico - 37.9 thousand m2/ha. And the smallest leaf area was obtained from the Cromwell hybrid – 35.1 thousand m2/ ha. The best grain potential was shown in the hybrids of Bodor and Frederico. Grain yields were 6.08 and 5.75 t/ha. The lowest grain yield was obtained when growing the Nestor hybrid – 4.02 t/ha.

YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FORAGE AND SILAGE OF NATIVE MAIZE UNDER IRRIGATED SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS

The preservation of native maize allows the selection of genotypes with forage potential in specific regions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the yield and chemical composition of green forage and silage of 10 native and two commercial maize hybrids with forage potential, under semi-arid conditions with irrigation. Genotypes were grouped according to days to male flowering: early (80 days), intermediate (92 days) and late (111 days). Data were analyzed in a randomized complete block design with four replications (Tukey; α = 0.05). Intermediate and late maize had the greatest height, total dry matter yield (TDMY) and number of leaves (p < 0.05). Late genotypes showed higher values in cob yield and senescent matter (p < 0.05). The genotypes Olotillo × Tuxpeño and Tuxpeño II outperformed the hybrids 2038DK and P3966WP (3.50 and 9.24 Mg ha-1, respectively) in TDMY (14.32 Mg ha-1, on average). Olotillo × Tuxpeño and P3966WP presented similar crude protein values in green forage (81 g kg-1; p > 0.05). However, when ensiled, the hybrid outperformed native corn by 22 % (92 vs. 75 g kg-1; p < 0.05). Late-cycle native maize had the highest cob yields (4.59 Mg ha-1) and after ensiling, the ideal pH (< 3.9) and °Brix (8.5) values. The native genotypes Tuxpeño I, Olotillo × Ratón, Olotillo × Tuxpeño and Tuxpeño II could be used in breeding programs to select materials with potential for forage production and conservation.

Dual-Purpose Rye, Wheat, and Triticale Cover Crops Offer Increased Forage Production and Nutrient Management but Demonstrate Nitrogen Immobilization Dynamics

Dual-purpose cover crops (DPCCs) are gaining popularity for their potential to provide additional forage, while also providing significant ecosystem services. In the Northeastern United States, DPCCs can be incorporated into corn silage (Zea mays L.) production, increasing the environmental sustainability and economic resiliency of dairy systems. In a three-year field study, rye (Secale cereale L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and triticale (xTriticosecale) DPCCs provided an average of 4.1 Mg ha−1 of forage, without impacting subsequent corn silage yield. The relative feed values of triticale and wheat were 120 and 122, respectively, significantly greater than that of rye at 109. DPCCs removed 60 kg ha−1 of nitrogen (N) and 20 kg ha−1 of phosphorus (P) on average at harvest; this removal is important for nutrient management in manured systems with high P levels. The results of this experiment suggested that in addition to capturing nutrients from the fall manure application, DPCCs captured nutrients already present in the soil. The DPCC residue left in the field after harvest represented 46% of the total plant biomass, and returned 1.6 Mg ha−1 of carbon. Decomposition trends of DPCCs demonstrated nitrogen immobilization dynamics. Twenty percent of all the residual nitrogen was released in the first week after termination. The residual biomass continued to decompose, but the nitrogen decomposition was arrested. While, in this study, corn yields were not impeded, our findings demonstrated the potential to affect the fertility needs of corn in a multi-year rotation.

Silage maize as a potent candidate for sustainable animal husbandry development-perspectives and strategies for genetic enhancement.

Maize is recognized as the queen of cereals, with an ability to adapt to diverse agroecologies (from 58oN to 55oS latitude) and the highest genetic yield potential among cereals. Under contemporary conditions of global climate change, C4 maize crops offer resilience and sustainability to ensure food, nutritional security, and farmer livelihood. In the northwestern plains of India, maize is an important alternative to paddy for crop diversification in the wake of depleting water resources, reduced farm diversity, nutrient mining, and environmental pollution due to paddy straw burning. Owing to its quick growth, high biomass, good palatability, and absence of anti-nutritional components, maize is also one of the most nutritious non-legume green fodders. It is a high-energy, low-protein forage commonly used for dairy animals like cows and buffalos, often in combination with a complementary high-protein forage such as alfalfa. Maize is also preferred for silage over other fodders due to its softness, high starch content, and sufficient soluble sugars required for proper ensiling. With a rapid population increase in developing countries like China and India, there is an upsurge in meat consumption and, hence, the requirement for animal feed, which entails high usage of maize. The global maize silage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.84% from 2021 to 2030. Factors such as increasing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly food sources coupled with rising health awareness are fueling this growth. With the dairy sector growing at about 4%-5% and the increasing shortage faced for fodder, demand for silage maize is expected to increase worldwide. The progress in improved mechanization for the provision of silage maize, reduced labor demand, lack of moisture-related marketing issues as associated with grain maize, early vacancy of farms for next crops, and easy and economical form of feed to sustain household dairy sector make maize silage a profitable venture. However, sustaining the profitability of this enterprise requires the development of hybrids specific for silage production. Little attention has yet been paid to breeding for a plant ideotype for silage with specific consideration of traits such as dry matter yield, nutrient yield, energy in organic matter, genetic architecture of cell wall components determining their digestibility, stalk standability, maturity span, and losses during ensiling. This review explores the available information on the underlying genetic mechanisms and gene/gene families impacting silage yield and quality. The trade-offs between yield and nutritive value in relation to crop duration are also discussed. Based on available genetic information on inheritance and molecular aspects, breeding strategies are proposed to develop maize ideotypes for silage for the development of sustainable animal husbandry.

Yield and nutritional value of silage of different sorghum hybrids inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate sorghum hybrids associated or not associated with Azospirillum brasilense and nitrogen fertilization (N) during planting on the yield, fermentative profile, and nutritional value of the respective silages. Five sorghum hybrids (Volumax, 201813B, 201814B, 201709B, BRS716) were evaluated with three nitrogen fertilization strategies using urea (100 kg ha−1 of N) and Azospirillum brasilense, and urea (100 kg ha−1 of N)/A. brasilense in association. A randomized block design was used in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, with five hybrids, three fertilization strategies and three replications (blocks). The useful area of each experimental unit was 3 m x 3 m. The biomass sorghum hybrids showed a dry matter (DM) production (P = 0.01) 48.31% higher than the DM production of the Volumax forage (mean of 17.49 t ha−1 of dry matter). There was no difference between the sorghum hybrid silages in the pH values (mean of 4.11; P = 0.68), gas losses (mean of 3.74% of DM; P = 0.19). The sorghum hybrids biomass 201709B and BRS 716 showed better digestible and DM productivity. Azospirillum brasilense can be used as a nitrogen fertilization strategy in partial or total replacement of urea.

Cover crop forage potential and subsequent sorghum silage yield and nutritive value

AbstractAchieving high forage production—quantity and quality—could be challenging, specifically in water‐limited areas. Intensifying cropping systems with cover crops can provide agronomic and ecosystem service benefits. However, the impacts of cover crops on forage production have not been well studied. This study evaluated the effects of cover crops (grasses + brassicas + legumes [GBL], grasses + brassicas [GB], grasses + legumes [GL], and no cover crop [NCC] control) on sorghum silage [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yield and nutritive value over 3 years in a semiarid irrigated condition. Cover crops produced 2.1–6.0 Mg ha−1 of annual average harvestable biomass with similar forage nutritive value among treatments. In 2018–2019, sorghum silage yield was 38%–43% greater with all cover crops than with NCC. However, in 2019–2020, only GB had a 23% greater sorghum silage yield than NCC. The neutral detergent fiber content in sorghum silage was 4.8%–5.1% greater with all cover crops, and crude protein was 3%–8% lower with GL and GBL compared to NCC. Therefore, total digestible nutrients, relative forage quality, and milk production potential of sorghum silage were 5%–8%, 11%–19%, and 8%–16% greater, respectively, with NCC than with cover crops. This study demonstrates that replacing fallow with winter cover crops in irrigated silage production systems could provide good quality forage from cover crops without a decrease in subsequent sorghum silage yield. Sorghum silage quality slightly decreased with cover cropping. Nevertheless, cover crop integrated systems could be an alternative for farmers facing declining water availability for irrigated crop production.

An automated system of soil sensor-based site-specific seeding for silage maize: A proof of concept

Despite recent studies of map-based site-specific seeding (SSS) revealing improved agronomic and economic outcomes over uniform rate seeding (URS), to our best knowledge no visible and near infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) sensor-based SSS studies exist to date. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an automated sensor-based SSS technology for silage maize (Zea mays L.) production. An on-line visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) sensor was installed in front of a tractor to provide real-time input data to control the seed rate using a precision seeding machine mounted at the back of the tractor. A LabVIEW-based software was developed and used to predict soil fertility index using on-line vis-NIR spectra, which was then used to calculate the seed rate and transfer it to the controller of the seeding machine. The agronomic and economic benefits of SSS were compared with URS under a one-site-year experiment. Results showed that the proposed sensor-based SSS technology was 87.5% efficient in controlling the desired seed rates, according to the soil fertility status. In parallel with the observed spatial similarity between predicted soil fertility index and actual seed rates, a strong linear association (R2 = 0.80) was also achieved. As a result, SSS improved silage yield by 1.4 t ha−1 (4.4%), while sowing a lower seed rate (86.4 kSeeds ha−1) than the URS (90 kSeeds ha−1). This improved gross margin by 91 € ha−1, of which only 7 € ha−1 was attributed to savings on seed cost. The proposed sensor-based SSS technology was technically sound and thus transforms within-field fertility variations into agro-economic benefits effectively.

Early Yield Forecasting of Maize by Combining Remote Sensing Images and Field Data with Logistic Models

Early forecasting of crop yield from field to region is important for stabilizing markets and safeguarding food security. Producing a precise forecasting result with fewer inputs is an ongoing goal for the large-area yield evaluation. We present one approach of yield prediction for maize that was explored by incorporating remote-sensing-derived land surface temperature (LST) and field in-season data into a series of logistic models with only a few parameters. Continuous observation data of maize were utilized to calibrate and validate the corresponding logistic models for regional biomass estimating based on field temperatures (including crop canopy temperature (Tc)) and relative dry/fresh biomass accumulation. The LST maps from MOD11A1 products, which are considered to be matched as Tc in large irrigation districts, were assimilated into the validated models to estimate the biomass accumulation. It was found that the temporal-scale difference between the instantaneous LST and the daily average value of field-measured Tc was eliminated by data normalization method, indicating that the normalized LST could be input directly into the model as an approximation of the normalized Tc. Making one observed biomass in-season as the driving force, the maximum of dry/fresh biomass accumulation (DBA/FBA) at harvest could be estimated. Then, grain yield forecasting could be achieved according to the local harvest index of maize. Silage and grain yields were evaluated reasonably well compared with field observations based on the regional map of LST values obtained in 2017 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. Here, satisfactory grain and silage yield forecasting was provided by assimilating once measured value of DBA/FBA at the middle growth period (early August) into the model in advance of harvest. Meanwhile, good results were obtained in the application of this approach using field data in 2016 to predict grain yield ahead of harvest in the Jiefangzha sub-irrigation district, Inner Mongolia, China. This study demonstrated that maize yield can be forecasted accurately prior to harvest by assimilating remote-sensing-derived LST and field data into the logistic models at a regional scale considering the spatio-temporal scale extension of ground information and crop dynamic growth in real time.

Assessing of Some Summer Forage Crops to Infection by Common Smut and Downy Mildew Diseases for Forage and Silage Production

The present study was carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station in the summer 2020 and 2021 seasons. Ten summer forage crops namely, Millet Saudia Arabia, Selection Millet1, Selection Millet2, Millet Shandawel 1, Sudangrass Giza1, Sudangrass Piper black ,Sorghum SX-17 were evaluated for downy mildew and common smut diseases and forage yield and some traits. Three cuts were taken from the seven fresh forage crops and only one cut for silage from maize (95 days), Teosinte and maize × teosinte (100days). Mean values of forage crops genotypes revealed significant to highly significant differences. Piper black had the highest fresh and dry forage yields at the three cuts and total over the two seasons which had (26.4,22.3,17.1 and 65.7kg/plot) for fresh and 5.3,2.8,2.5 and 10.59 for dry yield ,respectively . For combined data millet Shandawal 1 had 46.7 kg/plot, and 7.8 kg/plot ,while Saudia Arabia Millet gave 31.3 and 4.9 kg/plot, for total fresh and dry forage yields, respectively, so Shandawal 1 surpass Saudia Arabia by 49.2 and 59.2% for fresh and dry yield . Also, sorghum, piper black surpass SX-17 by 19.2 and 26.5 % for total fresh and dry yield, respectively. Maize SC168 x Teosinte Sakha was the highest for plant height (298 cm) ,stem diameter (2.9 cm) ,fresh/leaf stem percent(81%) and fresh forage yield (69 kg/plot) and exceed teosinte by 5.7,93.3,24.6 and 8.7% ,respectively . Meanwhile, exceed maize SC168 by 11.2, 16.0, 72.3 and 122.6%for plant height ,stem diameter ,fresh/leaf stem percent and fresh forage yield ,respectively. Saudia Arabia Millet and hybrid SX -17 were susceptible (s) to downy mildew disease on the other hand pearl millet 2,3,Giza 1 and piper black were resistance ( R ) to downy mildew disease at the three cuts in the two seasons . The local pearl millet1 , pearl millet2 , and pearl millet 3 (Shandawal 1) recorded the lowest percent of total infection by downy mildew disease1.666,0.000 and 1.333% respectively, also Giza 1 and piper black genotypes recorded the lowest percent of total infection by downy mildew disease which had 2.13 and 4.13% ,respectively. These tested local pearl millet and Giza 1 and piper black , were resistant(R) to downy mildew disease and can be used in breeding programs as sources of resistance to tested disease, In the revers , the imported pearl millet (Saudia Arabia pearl millet) and hybrid sorghum SX -17 were susceptible and recorded 20.33and 34.26, respectively. These results indicated dangerousness of importing susceptible materials. On the other hand, teosinte genotype was resistant to infection by downy mildew disease and the total infection percent was 0.000 in the first reading and 0.666% in the second , but maize was susceptible and recorded (16.70%) as total infection. Therefore the crossing between maize and teosinte resulted in moderate resistant (MR) whereas, 5.966% and 5.166% in the first and second reading. As common smut, teosinte was susceptible (s) but maize and maize x teosinte hybrid were moderate resistant (MR) for common smut infection disease. Finely, the local genotypes are better than the imported Saudi Arabia millet. Hybrid maize x teosinte was the best had more than twice maize silage yield (122.6%).

Effects of Forage Legumes Sowing in the Fallow Year on Silage Yield and Quality Characteristics of Subsequent Cereals

In this study, the effect of P. arvense-H. vulgare mixture and V. pannonica grown in the fallow year on silage yield and quality of subsequent cereals were investigated in the arid condition of Eskişehir, Turkey. The fresh weight of P. arvense-H. vulgare mixture with 2750 kg/da was found two-fold high than V. pannonica. P. arvense-H. vulgare mixture significantly increased the fresh and dry hay weights of cereals except for H. vulgare cv. İnce. In addition, the highest grain yield was obtained by growing Triticosecale cv. Karma in P. arvense-H. vulgare mixture plots. Due to the high pH and low dry matter content of triticale samples, the Fleig scores were very low, which is a quality indicator in silage. ADF and NDF ratios were the highest in A. sativa cv. Checato as a negative quality factor. Top-dressing of nitrogen had a positive effect on the crude protein ratio. It was concluded that production of quality roughage can be sustainably increased by growing P. arvense-H. vulgare mixture in barren areas in the fallow year and followed by sowed cvs. Karma, Müfitbey, and Checato in the cereal growing season.

Silage Yield Potential of Some Corn (Zea mays. indendata Sturt.) Varieties

Silage Yield Potential of Some Corn (Zea mays. indendata Sturt.) Varieties

Effects of silage crops between crop seasons on soybean grain yield and soil fertility in tropical sandy soils

Soybean production in sandy soils under the recovery process presents risks that can be mitigated by growing crops between crop seasons, focused on silage production, which can assist in environmental improvement, accelerating soil recovery, in addition to improvement in soybean grain yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate soybean grain yield, silage yield and soil fertility in an area converted from degraded pasture to soybean production. The study was conducted a sandy soil, in Presidente Bernardes, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. The treatments consisted of six silage crops (maize, sorghum, sunflower, palisade grass, millet, and pigeon pea) and a control with fallow (March-July) between soybean crop seasons (October-March). The mean soybean grain yield in the soybean-millet system (4400 kg ha−1) was, on average, 42% higher than that in the soybean-fallow (3100 Mg ha−1). The mean soybean grain yield (three crop seasons) in the systems with maize, sorghum, and sunflower was similar to that in the soybean-fallow system. The mean palisade grass silage yield was higher in two of the three crop seasons (16.8 Mg ha−1); maize also presented a good performance in the second crop seasons (10200 kg ha−1). The higher palisade grass silage production resulted in higher mean (three crop seasons) extraction of macronutrients (136, 129, 65, 54, 13.2 9.6 kg ha−1, for K, N, Ca, Mg, P, and S, respectively). The growth of millet and palisade grass crops between soybean crop seasons improved the soil fertility, but the effect of millet was faster (first harvest). The main soil fertility attributes affected were: phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. The best crop option to be grown between soybean crop seasons are millet and palisade grass for silage when focused on improvements in soil fertility and grain yield of the following soybean crop, and the choice between these two species depends on the farmer's priority.

5 Effect of Species and Maturity on Winter Hardy Small Grain Silage Yield and Quality

Abstract Winter-hardy small grains offer an opportunity to improve soil health as a cover crop, and they can also be used as a forage source for cattle. Winter-hardy small grains differ in the time needed to reach various maturity stages. Species selection may also impact yield and nutritive value. A two-year study was conducted in eastern Nebraska to determine the effect of species and maturity on yield and nutritive value of winter-hardy small grains used for silage. Three species were evaluated; cereal rye, winter wheat, and winter triticale at four stages of maturity: boot, anthesis, milk, and soft dough. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four blocks per year. Small grain species were considered whole plots with maturity at harvest considered sub-plot. Each year, the small grain species were randomly assigned within each block. Within each plot, maturity was randomly assigned to one quarter of each plot. Dry matter (DM) forage yield, crude protein (CP), digestible organic matter (DOM), and nutrient yield per hectare were measured and analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS. Forage yield increased for all species (P < 0.01) with maturity, except for wheat, where there was a decrease at soft dough. Forage yield of cereal rye and triticale did not differ (P>0.05), except at soft dough where triticale was greater (P < 0.01) than cereal rye. Forage yield of triticale and cereal rye yield was greater (P£0.05) than wheat at anthesis and soft dough. Crude protein (% DM) decreased (P < 0.01) with maturity across all species. Among species, CP for cereal rye was greater (P£0.01) than triticale at boot, anthesis, and soft dough, but not different (P³0.10) from wheat at boot, milk, and soft dough. At boot, anthesis, and milk stages, CP of triticale was not different (P³0.07) than wheat, but triticale was lower than wheat (P < 0.01) at soft dough. The DOM (% DM) decreased (P < 0.01) with maturity, except at soft dough. The DOM of cereal rye and wheat did not differ (P > 0.05), but both were greater (P < 0.01) than triticale. Cereal rye and triticale had greater (P £ 0.05) nutrient yields than wheat in terms of energy (DOM) and CP. There was no difference for CP yield across stages (P = 0.10), but there was an effect of maturity on DOM yield. The DOM yield increased from boot to anthesis, (P = 0.05), anthesis and milk did not differ (P = 0.08) and increased (P < 0.01) again at soft dough. This suggests that planting either cereal rye or triticale resulted in the greatest nutrient yield per acre. Harvest at anthesis had increased yield compared to boot with minimal loss in nutritive value; for maximizing energy yield per acre, harvesting at soft dough was the best option.

Water Stress Effects on the Morphological, Physiological Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.), and on Environmental Cost

Water stress is one of the most important yield constraints on crop productivity for many crops, and especially for maize, worldwide. In addition, climate change creates new challenges for crop adaptation as water stress appears even in areas where, until recently, there was an adequate water supply. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of water availability on the morphological and physiological characteristics of maize, and also on the environmental cost under field conditions. The lowest water treatment (ET50) reduced leaf area index, plant height, chlorophyll content, assimilation rate and gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, and silage yield. Furthermore, mild water stress (ΕΤ70) affected the characteristics that were studied but maintained a high crop yield. Moreover, the outputs/inputs ratio and energy efficiency showed similar trends, with the highest values under ΕΤ100 treatment and the lowest under ΕΤ50 treatment in two consecutive years. Therefore, the results of this study can be used by farmers in the Mediterranean area, who can maintain or improve their crop yield using a lower amount of water when the water supply is limited, thereby contributing to reducing the impact of global climate change and maintaining crop productivity.

EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION ON SILAGE QUALITY OF PERSIAN CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM RESUPINATUM L.)

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of phosphorus fertilization (0, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 kg ha-1) on silage yield and quality traits of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.). The experiment was conducted at Yoruk village of Malkara-Tekirdag with three replications in randomized block design in 2021. Silage yield (t ha-1), dry matter (%), crude protein (%), crude ash (%), acid detergent fiber (ADF, %), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, %), P (%), K (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), digestible dry matter (DDM, %), dry matter intake (DMI, %), relative feed value (RFV), total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy-lactation (NEl), net energy-maintenance (NEm), net energy-gain (NEg) and flieg score were determined. Silage yield, dry matter, pH, crude protein, ADF, NDF, P, Mg, DDM, DMI, RFV, TDN, NEg and Flieg Score were determined statistically significant at P˂0.01. The highest silage yield (72.83 t ha-1) and ADF ratio (25.36 %) were obtained from 30 kg P ha-1. The highest dry matter (39.92 %), DDM (70.30 %), DMI (3.22 %) RFV (175.056) and TDN (68.90) were found at application of 90 kg P ha-1. The highest flieg score was determined at application of 60 kg P ha-1. The highest crude protein (15.50-15.51 %) was found at application of 45 and 60 kg P ha-1.

Field scale variability in soil properties and silage corn yield

Field scale spatial variability of soil properties, crop quality parameters and yield are needed to evaluate the efficiency of management practices in crop production. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of field variability in soil properties, silage yield of corn (Zea mays L.) varieties, and to characterize their spatial structures, and map the stated attributes. The experiment was conducted in an alluvial flood plain of lower Kazova watershed in Tokat province of Turkey. Several physical and chemical soil properties and silage corn yield were determined. Coefficient of variation (CV%) varied from 1.0% (pH) to 38.1% (P2O5) in herbicide not applied plots and from 0.9% (pH) to exchangeable Na (55.1%) in herbicide applied plots. Calcium carbonate, organic matter and clay displayed well defined spatial structure. Sand, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) showed moderate spatial dependency. However, silt, moisture content, bulk density, plant available phosphorus and potassium had weak spatial structure. Silage corn yield distribution map successfully distinguished the three corn hybrids planted. The difference in vegetation period among three corn hybrids was effective in distinguishing the location of hybrids within the field. However, the variability in each of the hybrids blocks was assumed to occur due to the difference in short range soil properties. The longest range values were obtained for silage corn yield at both herbicide applied and herbicide unapplied plots.