Effect of tillage procedures and nitrogen fertilizer on the forage production and some agronomic characters of silage maize (Zea mays L.) cv. KSC704

Effects of different tillage systems and nitrogen fertilizer levels on forage production and some agronomic traits of silage maize (Zea mays L.) cv. KSC704 were studied. A split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted. Three procedures of tillage (moldboard plow with disc, sweep with disc and double discs) and three nitrogen levels (100, 200 and 300 kg.ha-1) were applied. Plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, ear length and diameter, dry weight and forage production were measured. The effect of nitrogen levels on height, fresh weight, dry weight and silage production were significant. The maximum forage yield (51575.3 kg.ha-1) was obtained by 300 kg.ha-1 nitrogen application. The effect of tillage procedures on fresh weight, dry weight and forage production of silage were also significant. The maximum forage yield (49911.9 kg.ha-1) was obtained for the sweep along with disc treatment. The effect of nitrogen levels and tillage systems on fresh weight and forage yield of silage maize were also significant. The maximum forage production (53582.3 kg.ha-1) was obtained by double discs with an application of 300 kg.ha-1 nitrogen.