Influence of population density, row spacing and hybrid on forage corn yield and nutritive value in a cool-season environment

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. Baron ◽  
H. G. Najda ◽  
F. C. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
The Other ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Plant Yield ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Short Season ◽  
Narrow Row

Increasing yield for silage and grazing in cool, short-season areas may be possible by planting corn (Zea mays L.) at high population densities and at narrow row spacing. The objective was to determine how population density (75 000, 100 000, and 125 000 plants ha-1) and row spacing (standard: 76 cm and narrow: 38 cm) affected whole-plant yield, yield-related parameters, and nutritive value of two corn hybrids grown at Brooks and Lacombe, Alberta during 2 yr. The hybrids (Pioneer 39F45 and 39N03) were rated at 2000 Ontario corn heat units (CHU). Trial, hybrid, population density and row spacing interacted to influence whole-plant yield. Population density had a greater impact on whole-plant yield than row spacing and hybrid choice. Generally, yield leveled off at 100 000 plants ha-1 when the interaction of all effects was considered. Leaf area index (LAI) and whole-plant yield at this density were 2.68 and 12.0 Mg ha-1, respectively. Narrow compared with standard row spacing had positive effects on whole-plant yield of one hybrid, but not the other and improved LAI at 75 000 plants ha-1, but not at the other plant densities. Increasing plant density and reducing row spacing had only minor effects on whole-plant nutritive value. Growing corn in narrow rows to accommodate prevalent planting equipment should have no adverse effects on whole-plant corn production in short-season areas of Canada. However, when considering changes in corn management to maximize whole-plant yield narrow row spacing is not as important as achieving a plant density of approximately 100 000 plants ha-1. Key words: Corn, Zea mays L., nutritive value, population density, row width, silage yield

Row spacing and fertilizer nitrogen effects on plant growth and grain yield of maize

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Ma ◽  
L. M. Dwyer ◽  
C. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Shoot Ratio ◽  
Root To Shoot Ratio ◽  
N Fertility

Conflicting reports have led to a renewed interest in the effects of narrow row spacing and high plant population densities on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate maize response to row spacing and N fertility over a 4-yr period (1997–2000). A randomized complete block design, arranged in a split plot was used with four replications each year with modifications of treatments over years. Row spacings of 0.51 m, 0.76 m and 0.76 m paired row alone or in combination with hybrid were tested in the subplot whereas combination of fertilizer N by population density (1997 and 1998) or N alone was assigned to the main plot. In 1997 and 1998, combinations of N by density consisted of 0 , 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1 at 89 000 plants ha-1, and 60 and 180 kg N ha-1 at 69 000 plants ha-1 using a single hybrid, Pioneer 3893. In 1999 and 2000, N fertility levels of 0, 80 and 180 kg N ha-1 >were the main plots and six combinations of hybrids (Pioneer 3893 and Pioneer 38P06 Bt) by row spacing were grown in the subplots at 69 000 plants ha-1. Row spacing and fertility levels showed no significant interaction for any parameter at any developmental stage. In both 1997 and 1998, row spacing had no significant effect on yield (yield differed by 5% among row spacing treatments) or harvest index (varied from 0.45 to 0.53). For Pioneer 38P06 Bt in 1999, grain yield of the 0.51 m row spacing with the 80 kg N ha-1 fertilizer rate was 14.6% higher than the conventional 0.76 m row spacing. In 2000, the substantially lower (11%) yield of the 0.76 m paired row spacing than the other row spacing treatments was more likely the result of an exceptionally cool and wet season. In 1997 and 1998, plant density showed no effect on shoot or root DM. The lower density (69 000 plants ha-1) did, however, show a higher root to shoot ratio than the higher density. Shoot DM, root DM and root to shoot ratio did not differ between the 60 and 180 kg N ha-1 fertility treatments. While higher N levels increased above- and below-ground crop N contents, row spacing showed no consistent effects on maize plants at the early stages. Under the conditions of this study, narrow rows did not result in higher yield or N use efficiency even plant density and N fertility varied. Key words: Maize (Zea mays L.), nitrogen use, population density, root/shoot ratio, row spacing

scholarly journals Crop density and seed production of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber). 1. Yield and plant development

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Initial Density ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Initial Population ◽  
Crop Density

A field study was conducted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber) to determine the effect of the initial population density and spatial arrangement of plants on crop development and seed yield. Individual seedling plants were transplanted at seven densities (1.6, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 plants m−2) and three row spacings (20, 40, and 80 cm), and characteristics of seed production were determined for 3 yr (1991–1993). Over the 3 yr, heading commenced at dates differing by 15 d and was delayed, as density increased, by 8, 6, and 2 d, respectively, in the first, second, and third production years. The time of seed maturity differed among years (21 July to 4 August) but was generally unaffected by density or row spacing. In the first production year, seed yield increased with density up to 25 plants m−2 for each row spacing, then remained constant to at least 50 plants m−2 with both 20- or 40-cm rows; it decreased slightly at 100 plants m−2 with 20 cm rows. In the second production year, seed yield was relatively independent of plant density except that it decreased when the initial density was less than 6 plants m−2 with a row spacing of 80 cm, and tended to be greatest with the 40-cm row spacing at 6–25 plants m−2. In the third production year, seed yield was much lower than in the previous 2 yr but the pattern of response to the density and row spacing treatments was similar to that in the second production year. The seed yield of tall fescue can be optimized for at least 3 consecutive years by establishing an initial density of 20–100 plants m−2 in rows spaced 20–60 cm apart. If the maximization of first-year seed yield is a priority, then the initial establishment should be at a density of 25–50 plants m−2 in rows spaced 20–40 cm apart. Key words: Tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreber, population density, plant spacing, seed production

In vitro degradation and methane production of short-season corn hybrids harvested before or after a light frost

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 741-753
Author(s):  
I.A. Aboagye ◽  
V.S. Baron ◽  
M. Oba ◽  
J. Guyader ◽  
K.A. Beauchemin
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
In Vitro Degradation ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Short Season ◽  
Silage Production

In western Canada, short-season corn silage production is increasing due to its potentially high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to determine variability and relationships among nutrient concentration, degradability, and methane (CH4) production of short-season whole-plant corn hybrids harvested before or after light frost (−1.5 °C). Four hybrids, based on their corn heat unit rating (≤2600, CHU rating), were grown in 2 yr in central and southern Alberta (AB) with two field replications. The batch culture and Daisy fermenter techniques were used to characterize degradability and gas production measurements. At both locations, dry matter (DM) concentration was affected by harvest and hybrid (P ≤ 0.02). However, starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations differed (P ≤ 0.01) or tended (P = 0.07) to differ among harvest and hybrid only in central AB. Over both locations and harvest times, CH4production was related negatively to propionate and positively to acetate proportions. In conclusion, harvesting southern AB hybrids after frost increased DM concentration and NDF degradability with no effect on CH4emissions, but the high DM concentration may negatively affect silage quality and animal performance. Harvesting central AB hybrids after frost increased DM and starch concentrations, while reducing CH4emissions but had limited effects on nutrient degradability.

CULTURAL PRACTICES AFFECTING MATURITY AND YIELD OF CORN (ZEA MAYS) FOR WHOLE-PLANT SILAGE IN SHORT-SEASON AREAS

1978 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 629-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. WHITE
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
Harvest Dates ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Early Fall ◽  
Short Season ◽  
Low Levels

The production of corn (Zea mays L.) as whole-plant silage in short-season areas is severely restricted by such factors as late planting, slow emergence, slow early growth, and delayed silking that result from cold, wet soils and low levels of accumulated heat units. Failure of the plants to reach physiological maturity results from early fall frosts. The effects of variations in planting dates, plant densities, fertilizer and manure treatments, weeds, harvest dates, and other cultural practices on the yield and maturity of silage corn are discussed.

scholarly journals Effects of row spacing and planting density of forage sorghum on dry matter yield, morphologic parameters, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield of dairy cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e36101119374
Author(s):  
Magno Daniel Porfirio ◽  
Marcela Abbado Neres ◽  
Claudia Anete Fuhr ◽  
Thiago Henrique da Silva ◽  
Iuli Caetano da Silva Brandão Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Quadratic Effect ◽  
Forage Sorghum ◽  
Whole Plant

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different row spacings and planting populations on dry matter yield, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield of BRS 658 forage sorghum hybrid growing in Brazilian conditions. A late relative maturity forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; 110 d-115d to soft dough stage; BRS 658 – Embrapa] was planted at 3 row spacing (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m) and at 3 planting population (50 x 103, 100 x 103, and 150 x 103 plants.ha-1). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, using 4 replicate plots per row spacing x plant population combination. At harvest, weights of whole-plant sorghum forage were obtained to calculate DM yields. Chemical composition was assessed by performing wet chemistry analysis. Plant height, stem diameter, and harvest were performed 110 days after sowing (DAS). Estimated milk yield per unit of forage and per hectare were calculated using Milk2006. Summative equations were used to predict TDN and NEL. Yield of wet and DM forage sorghum exhibited a negative quadratic response as row spacing increased, reaching the maximum yield response at row spacing of 1.23m and 1.22m, respectively. In addition, negative linear effect was detected for both wet and DM sorghum forage yield as planting density increased. Regarding agronomic measurements, sorghum height exhibited a negative linear pattern as plant density increased. Otherwise, stem diameter increased as planting density increased. Whole-plant sorghum forage DM content decreased linearly with increasing planting density. Conversely, ashes increased linearly as planting density increased. Neutral detergent insoluble protein exhibited a positive quadratic effect with increasing planting density, reaching the minimum value when planting density was 104.2 x 103 plants.ha-1. Finally, a negative quadratic effect for predicted milk yield per hectare was also observed with increasing row spacing, whereas the maximum milk yield per hectare value was detected when row spacing was 1.20m. In conclusion, taking into account a subtropical climate, the ideal row spacing and planting density recommendation for a high yield and nutritional quality sorghum forage are 1.2 m and 104 x 103 plants.ha-1, respectively.

CONTRIBUTION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF THE MAJOR PLANT COMPONENTS OF OATS THROUGH PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. KILCHER ◽  
J. E. TROELSEN
Keyword(s):  
Avena Sativa ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
The Other ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Dough Stage ◽  
Stem Lignin ◽  
Plant Components

Two oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars, Harmon and Sioux, and an unlicensed cultivar of Avena orientalis L., referred to as "Yorkton," were harvested at the early leaf, before boot, boot, headed, early bloom, late bloom, milk, dough, and ripe stages. Yorkton gave smaller yields than the other two cultivars at all stages after heading, but was slightly more leafy. Percent leaves by weight for all cultivars varied from near 90% in first cut to about 14% when ripe. Crude protein of leaves declined from 30 to 6% over the nine cuttings whereas that of stems went from 24 to 5%. Leaf lignin increased from 35 to 50% through the whole range of growth whereas stem lignin increased more rapidly from 45 to 70% in a shorter period of time. Leaves had 20% more energy than did stems. They were also 10% more digestible as determined by in vitro digestible organic matter. As whole plant feed there was no advantage in delaying harvest beyond the milk to soft dough stage.

COMBINAÇÃO DE ESPAÇAMENTO ENTRELINHAS E DENSIDADE POPULACIONAL NO AUMENTO DA PRODUTIVIDADE EM MILHO

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
RAFAEL BOIAGO ◽  
RENATO GARCIA ◽  
ADILSON RICKEN SCHUELTER ◽  
RAFAEL BARRETO ◽  
GLACY JAQUELINE DA SILVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Main Effects

RESUMO - Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do arranjo espacial e da densidade de semeadura na produtividade de cinco híbridos de milho, em dois locais no cultivo de verão. Foram utilizados espaçamentos de 80 cm e de 45 cm entrelinhas, e densidades de semeadura de 42.000, 52.000, 62.000 e 85.000 plantas ha-1. As avaliações foram conduzidas em Cascavel-PR e em Rio Verde-GO. Foram observados efeitos significativos para os fatores principais (híbrido, espaçamento entrelinhas e densidade), mas não foram observadas interações entre os fatores, com exceção da interação densidade x híbrido em Rio Verde. Houve maior efeito do espaçamento entrelinhas do que da densidade populacional na produtividade de todos os híbridos. No espaçamento de 45 cm entrelinhas, os híbridos produziram, em média, 36% a mais do que no espaçamento de 80 cm, nos dois locais avaliados. Houve aumento de produtividade com aumento da densidade de semeadura até 75 mil plantas ha-1 em Cascavel, e até 85 mil plantas ha-1 em Rio Verde. Palavras-chave: Zea mays, arranjo espacial de plantas, sistemas de cultivo. COMBINING ROW SPACING AND POPULATION DENSITY IN INCREASING MAIZE YIELD  ABSTRACT - This study aimed to evaluate the effects of spatial arrangement and plant density from five corn hybrids at two locations in the summer season. Row spacing used were 80 cm and 45 cm between rows and plant densities were 42,000, 52,000, 62,000 and 85,000 plants ha-1. The evaluations were conducted in Cascavel, State of Paraná, and Rio Verde, State of Goiás, Brazil. Significant effects were observed for the main effects (hybrid, row spacing and density), but there were no interactions between the main effects, with the exception of the interaction between density x hybrid in Rio Verde. There was a greater effect of row spacing than the population density on yield of all hybrids. With the row spacing at 45 cm the hybrids yielded, on average, 36% more than at a spacing of 80 cm, in the two locations. There was a trend for increased productivity with increased seeding rate up to 75,000 plants ha-1 in Cascavel, and up to 85,000 plants ha-1 in Rio Verde. Keywords: Zea mays, spatial arrangements, cultivation systems.

scholarly journals Field Population Density Effects on Field Yield and Morphological Characteristics of Maize

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
Vasileios Greveniotis ◽  
Stylianos Zotis ◽  
Evangelia Sioki ◽  
Constantinos Ipsilandis
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Kernel Weight ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Thousand Kernel Weight ◽  
Maize Hybrids

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of population density and row spacing on field yield and other morphological characteristics of two commercial F1 maize hybrids of different biological cycle (Costanza and LG3535) in a four-year period. Field experiments were conducted in a split-split plot design, in two population densities and three types of row spacing, involving single or twin rows. Ten plants from each plot were selected randomly and plant height, ear emergence height, ear length, ear diameter, number of grain rows per ear, grains number per ear, grain weight per ear, spindle weight per ear, and spindle diameter were measured. Grain yield of each plot was measured and field yield, thousand kernel weight and bulk density were calculated. Four years of experimentation clarified that environmental conditions may distort all other effects of the factors studied. This study points out the best combination of plant density and row configuration. High populations and twin or narrow rows (50 cm) were found to be important for maximizing yield of modern maize hybrids. Differences between hybrids were not significant, although Costanza exhibited greater mean field yield performance (14,364 kg/ha). Plant density was a significant factor and yield was increasing from low to high plant population (from 13,900 to 14,527 kg/ha). Plant density and genetic materials affected thousand kernel weights that showed the highest value at low plant density (364 g). Row spacing showed a significant interaction with year. Generally, twin or narrow rows favored many characteristics, especially height characteristics. Plant height reached 320 cm and ear height reached 149 cm. Ear diameter was favored by low plant density. Some ear characteristics were found to be depended on the genotype behavior in the certain environmental conditions. For spindle weight per ear, a total interaction between years, row spacing, hybrids, and plant density was found. For spindle diameter, various significant interactions were found, including years (maximum also in 2009), row spacing, and plant density and also row spacing, hybrids, and plant density. Many correlations were found significant especially between yield and thousand kernel weight, spindle weight per ear, and ear diameter that may prove to be useful for plant breeders.

scholarly journals Spatial Arrangement Management of Maize Hybrids at Semiarid Microclimate

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
José Fidelis Dos Santos Neto ◽  
Misael Mendes Soares ◽  
Sara Santos Cardoso ◽  
Edson De Sousa Silva ◽  
Helton Devison De Lima Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Maize Hybrids ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Poaceae Family ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a plant of the Poaceae family, originating in Central America and cultivated in practically every region of the world. In Brazil, it is the most important cereal for the economy, but the productivity is lower when compared to other countries. This may be due to inadequate plant density per unit area, low soil fertility and spatial arrangement of plants. Thus, the development of better performance hybrids and changes in sowing density and spacing appear as techniques for increasing productivity without increasing production costs. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the agronomic performance of two maize hybrids as a function of plant population and row spacing in semiarid microclimate to identify those agronomic and microclimatic factors that influence it. Two simultaneous fieldwork were conducted in an experimental area, at the microregion of Paraíba swamp. A randomized complete block design was used with six treatments distributed in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme, resulting from the combination of two maize hybrids (H1 and H2) and three population densities (40,000, 60,000 and 80,000 plants.ha-1) for Experiment 1; and two maize hybrids (H1 and H2) and three spacings (0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 m) for Experiment 2. In general, the results of this study suggest that larger populations of maize provide significant increases in grain yield for microclimatic conditions Paraíba semiarid, and when environmental factors are not limiting.

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