Impact of some agro-meteorological factors on maize (Zea mays L.) biomass production
2008
Gaile, Z., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Auce, Dobele reg. (Latvia). Training and Research Farm Vecauce
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most dominating energy crop for biogas production in Europe. The greatest potential of biogas production in the future is related to agricultural sector in Latvia. The first biogas production project in agriculture is getting to be realized in the Training and Research Farm (TRF) Vecauce of the Latvia University of Agriculture in 2008, and animal manure together with plant biomass (mainly maize) are planned to be used as substrate. Latvia is located in the marginal conditions (the North latitudes 55 deg and 58 deg) for maize growing. Because of this, every step of the growing manner is important. The aim of this research is to describe maize yield potential for biomass production depending on used variety, sowing and harvesting time in TRF Vecauce where several field trials were arranged during 2005-2007. Results of the research showed that in three years period, meteorological conditions of the year had more relevant impact on yield and its dry matter content than the used variety; the used variety had a significant impact on parameters mentioned above in the specific year. Our results, similarly to results in other European countries, showed strong harvest time effect on maize yield (by 36.7%, p is less than 0.05). The highest DM yield was obtained harvesting maize on September 30. Also, sowing time had small, but substantial (by 7.5%, p is less than 0.05) effect on obtained DM yield. The first ten-day period of May is recognized as the best sowing time up to now. A future demand is to investigate special biogas varieties, sowing and harvesting time influence on dry matter yield, yield chemical composition and specific methane yield per hectare.
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