Corn Forage Production in No-Till and Conventional Tillage Double-Cropping Systems
1977
Nelson, L. R. | Gallaher, R. N. | Holmes, M. R. | Bruce, R. R.
Double-cropping systems involving feed grains are becoming increasingly important for the long growing season in the Southeast and to meet consumer demands for food. Therefore, corn (Zea mays L.) forage production and quality were evaluated in double-cropping systems following wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). These systems were evaluated at two locations in Georgia Upper Coastal Plain (soil is member of the clayey, kaolinitic, thermic family of Typic Hapludults) regions. Variables in this study were no-till (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT), irrigated vs. non-irrigated, and early vs. late planting date. Forage yields from corn NT planted in small grain stubble (harvested for silage) in April were about equal to those from CT-planted corn. Corn forage yields when NT was planted in small grain stubble in mid-June were reduced compared with that planted in April in the Coastal Plain Region of Georgia, while forage yields in the Piedmont Region were nearly equal for corn planted early and late. The lower yields of late planted corn were related to a lower percentage of ears in the forage than early planted corn. Forage yield increases due to irrigation varied from zero to over 100%, depending on season and location. A high forage yield potential for double cropped NT corn planted early (mid-April) throughout the Southeastern USA is evidenced. With present varieties and known management, forage yields of late planted (June corn) will usually be lower than those for early corn in the Coastal Plain region.
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