Factors Affecting Production of Corn Forage

Effects of plant densities, hybrid maturities, and harvesting dates were studied for production of forage corn (Zea mays L.) in northeastern Iowa. Biomass and grain weights increased with later harvest dates, but stover weight decreased with later harvest dates. Maximum dry weight of biomass was obtained by harvesting late-maturity hybrids at 60 days after flowering (physiolgical maturity) at the highest plant density (72.4 M plants/ha). Harvest indices decreased with higher plant densities, increased with later harvest dates, and decreased for later-maturity hybrids. The three variables studied (plant densities, hybrid maturities, and harvest dates) affected the amount of forage corn produced, but further study is needed to relate quantity of forage produced and silage quality