Evaluation of maize cultivars for forage yield, silage quality traits and nutrient uptake in agro-climatic conditions of central Gujarat, India

Abstract

To evaluate fodder productivity, silage quality and nutrients uptake potential in 11 maize cultivars, a study was conducted during two seasons i.e. Kharif 2016 and Zaid 2017. Study indicated superiority of fodder composite African Tall for green fodder yield (35.19 t ha-1) due to significantly higher plant height (265.13 cm), stem-girth (16.58 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (13.87) and nitrogen uptake (145.34 kg ha-1). Four cultivars namely African Tall, Pratap Makka Chari-6, P-3502 and Pratap Hybrid Maize3 produced more than 30 t ha-1 green fodder that was higher than local check, Gujarat Anand Yellow Maize Hybrid-1. P-3502 recorded highest crude protein yield (8.14 t ha-1) and Mg content (0.56%), while Rajshri was found to be superior in terms of brix (8.83%) and sulphur (0.13%) contents. Phosphorus content (%) was found highest in J-1006 (0.29) and calcium uptake was recorded highest in Pratap Makka Chari-6 (28.60 kg ha-1). Pratap Hybrid Maize-3 recorded higher P2O5 uptake (51.16 kg ha-1), K2O uptake (79.45 kg ha-1) and copper content (63.71ppm). In maize silage, mean pH, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, silica content varied between 3.78 to 4.27, 24.77 to 27.57 %, 8.71 to 10.69%, 1.02 to 1.59%, 28.86 to 31.66% and 3.27 to 4.40%, respectively. African Tall, Pratap Makka Chari-6, Pratap Hybrid Maize-3 and P-3502 cultivars were found to be most suitable for silage making.