Br. Moss et al., Yield and quality of three corn hybrids as affected by broiler litter fertilization and crop maturity, ANIM FEED S, 94(1-2), 2001, pp. 43-56
Specific hybrids, fertilization and maturity impact yields and nutrient qua
lity of corn silage. To address these effects, three corn hybrids (Zea mays
L.) (Pioneer 3136, 3140, 3154) with five N fertilization (F) treatments we
re planted for 2 years and harvested at approximately 1/3, 2/3 or 100% milk
line in a split-split plot design. Main treatments were No-F, 4.5, 9.0, 13
.5 (Year 1) or 18.0 (Year 2) Mg ha(-1) of broiler litter (BrL) or 202 kg ha
(-1) of NH4NO3. At harvest, milk lines and whole plant, stover and grain yi
elds were determined. Whole plant and stover portions were chopped and subs
ampled for subsequent nutrient component and in vitro dry matter disappeara
nce (IVDMD). Milk line advanced rapidly, especially during Year I that was
a dry year. Whole plant yields were greatest for the 13.5/18.0 BrL treatmen
ts with no difference between 9.0 BrL and NH4NO3 treatments. Nutrient conte
nt varied with fertilizer treatment and year; during Year 1, NH4NO3 treatme
nts had greater CP and lower ADF values, but the 13.5/18.0 BrL had the grea
test CP content in Year 2, a wetter year. Whole plant lVDMD values were gre
ater for NH4NO3 than the 13.5/18.0 BrL treatments during both years, but th
is occurred only during Year I for stover. Corn hybrid did not consistently
affect yield, but during both years stover ADF was lower and IVDMD was hig
her for Hybrid 3136. These advantages existed in the whole plant only durin
g Year 1. Increased maturity enhanced grain and whole plant yield, but effe
cts on nutrient quality were variable. Appropriate application rates of BrL
provide comparable yields to commercial fertilizer without an adverse effe
ct on nutrient composition, although digestibility may be reduced. (C) 2001
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