Effect of pre-sowing and nitrogen application on forage quality of silage corn
¹Department of Agronomy, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
²Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension
Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
*Correspondence: mgholamhoseini@spii.ir
Abstract:
In order to determine the best pre-sowing treatments and nitrogen rates on forage
quality traits in silage corn (SC 704), a field experiment was conducted in a split plot based on a
randomized complete block design (RCBD), with four replications during 2013–14 growing
season in Karaj. Main plots consisted of four pre-sowing treatments (Black fallow, Farmyard
manure and 2 green manure treatments including pre-sowing treatment of perko PVH and presowing
treatment of buko) and sub-plots included three rates of nitrogen (120, 240 and
360 kg ha−1, utilized urea source). Results showed that the effect of pre-sowing treatments on
DMD, NDF and forage yield was significant (P ≤ 0.01), so that in all traits, perko PVH and buko
treatments were the best ones to compare with black fallow and farmyard manure. Moreover,
different nitrogen levels had significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on dry matter digestibility (DMD),
neutrals detergent fiber (NDF) and forage yield, so that with the increasing rate of nitrogen, these
traits increased. The interaction effect of pre-sowing treatments and nitrogen levels on water
soluble carbohydrates (WSC), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total ash was
significant (P ≤ 0.01). In general, results showed that the suitable component is perko PVH
treatment by using 240 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilizer.
Key words:
crude protein, Dry matter digestibility, green manure, Water soluble carbohydrates