Effects of plant density and nitrogen fertilization rate on forage yield and quality of second crop maize (ZEA MAYS L.)

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of plant density and nitrogen fertilization rate on dry matter yield and quality of maize planted as a second crop for silage. Field studies were conducted in Bursa with three densities of plants, namely 119,050, 142,850 and 178,570 plants ha(-1), and four rates of N fertilizer, 0, 250, 300 and 350 kg N ha(-1), that were applied in a split plot design with three replications. Based on a 2-year average, the effect of plant density was significant only for stem diameter. Thus, plant density had no significant effect on plant height, dry matter yield, LAI, SPAD value, crude protein content, and ADF and NDF contents. The maximum plant height, stem diameter, dry matter yield, SPAD value and crude protein content and the minimum ADF content were obtained at 250 kg N ha(-1) and higher rates of N fertilization. Additionally, the highest LAI was at 300 kg N ha(-1). In conclusion, 119,050 plants ha(-1) and 250 kg N ha(-1) are recommended for cultivation of second crop silage maize in the southern Marmara Region.