Effect of Spring Nitrogen Application on Barley Forage Yields and Silage Fermentation
DiRienzo, D. B. | Webb, K. E. | Brann, D. E. | Alley, M. M.
Field experiments were conducted between 1983 and 1985 to determine the effects of rate and time of spring N application on yields and composition of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) forage and fermentation characteristics for silage. Treatments consisted of 12 combinations of rate and timing of spring N. Rates were 0, 40, 80, and 120 lb N/acre. Nitrogen was applied at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 25, 30, and 45 (tillering, pre-jointing, and heading, respectively) in either single or split applications. Rate and timing of N application increased forage dry matter (DM) yields and crude protein (CP) but had no significant affect on NO₃, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), or acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations. Application at a rate of 120 lb N/acre increased yields of DM and CP both years. The greatest influence of N fertilization on CP was associated with application at GS 30. Split N applications generally increased DM yields and quality. Ensiling at the soft dough stage (30–35% DM) resulted in a final mean silage pH of 5.54 with no apparent treatment effects due to N application. When ensiled at the hard dough stage (45–48% DM), poor compaction resulted in frequent surface mold. Acid production and pH were influenced by the DM content of forages ensiled which was related to N application. Results demonstrate that spring N management can increase DM and CP yields with no detrimental effect on silage fermentation.
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