Biotech Studies 2017, Vol 26, Num, 3     (Pages: 125-130)

The Effect of Different Plant Density on Silage Yield and Quality of Corn Plant (Zea mays L. indentata) under Harran Plain Conditions

Timuçin TAŞ 1 ,Ayşe Gülgün ÖKTEM 2 ,Abdullah ÖKTEM 2 ,Abdulkadir SÜRÜCÜ 3

1 GAP Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü, Şanlıurfa
2 Harran Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Şanlıurfa
3 Harran Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi, Toprak Bilimi ve Bitki Besleme Bölümü, Şanlıurfa
DOI : 10.21566/tarbitderg.359425 - This research was conducted to determine the effects of different sowing densities on green grass yield and forage quality characteristics of silage maize. The study was conducted in Sanliurfa during the second crop corn growing season of 2010, 2011 and 2012. The study was conducted in randomized block design with three replications. Samada 07 silage corn variety was used as plant material. Five sowing densities were used in the study. They were: 10 cm (14285 plants/da), 14 cm (10204 plants/da), 18 cm (7937 plants/ da), 22 cm (6493 plants/da) and 26 cm (5494 plants/da). In the study, green grass yield, NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber, ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), ADL (Acid Detergent Lignin), crude cellulose, and ash contents were investigated. According to results of the research; plant densities were statistically significant for the examined characteristics. The highest green grass yield (6884 kg/da) was found at 14286 plants/da planting density (10 cm intra row spaces). Silage yield, NDF, ADF, ADL, crude cellulose and ash contents increased with increasing plant densities but the quality decreased. Keywords : Corn, plant density, NDF, ADF, ADL