Silage

Silage

By John Leif, Agronomist

Corn silage is an important forage for many high-producing dairy herds. With its relatively high energy content, corn silage is also used for fattening cattle. Because this forage is often the base for total feed rations, producing a high-quality silage is critical.

In 2021, AgroLiquid started a three-year research project with the goal of increasing corn silage yield and feed quality. These trials were the result of a collaborative partnership between AgroLiquid, Precision Planting, Dairy Support Services, Dairy Management, and Dairy One and performed at the Cornell University Ruminant Center (CURC). The long-term goal of the project is to grow 30 tons/A corn silage with sufficient feed quality to produce 120 pounds of milk per cow per day. Historical corn silage yield for the area has been 15 – 18 tons/A.

As always, AgroLiquid uses soil test reports and yield goal as a starting point. Our crop nutrition experts are working with the consultants at Dairy One and managers at the CURC to develop a fertilizer program to meet the 30-ton goal. The fields used in the 2021 trial have adequate phosphorus and potassium levels, and low to modest sulfur and micronutrient levels. The AgroLiquid program was compared to the commercial standard for the area as well as a reduced rate planter treatment and a reduced rate Conceal® application treatment, using the same mixes as in the full program.

Growing conditions during the season were generally good for corn silage production. However, a hail storm during tassel and pollination did limit yield potential.

Pro-Germinator® 2 gal/A High NRG-N™ 11 gal/A High NRG-N 38 gal/A

Kalibrate® 4 gal/A Kalibrate® 2 gal/A accesS 2 gal/A

eNhance™ 0.25 gal/A accesS®

Micro 500® 0.5 gal/A

microLink® Manganese 0.25 gal/A

2 gal/A

microLink Boron 0.125 gal/A

LiberateCa® 0.125 gal/A

C-Tech® 0.25 gal/A

6-24-6 5 gal/A 32-0-0 UAN 15 gal/A High NRG-N 38 gal/A

accesS 2 gal/A

continued…

Mid-season measurements in the full program plots showed corn plants were 30% larger in diameter and 12" taller than corn plants in the commercial standard plots. Root development was also better in full program plots.

Full Program 37.5 0.77 52.5

Reduced Rate Planter Program (2 GPA through FurrowJet and 11 gal/A through Conceal) 41.3 0.80 53.4

Reduced Rate Conceal (11 gal/A through Conceal, no fertilizer applied through FurrowJet) 39.2 0.78 55.6

Commercial Standard 35.4 0.75 49.5

NEL = Net Energy Lactation NDFD = Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility (measured after 30 hours)

Although the long-term goal of 30 tons/acre yield was not achieved, it is evident from the trial that proper crop nutrition can substantially improve silage yield. The economic value of proper crop nutrition is also evident in this trial. The cost difference between the commercial standard and the full AgroLiquid program was about $100/A. At current commodity prices, an additional 2 tons/A corn silage yield is needed to pay for the additional fertilizer. In this trial there was a 3.4 tons/A increase with the full AgroLiquid program, providing a net economic gain in the value of the silage. Improved energy and digestibility provided by AgroLiquid fertilizer increases the potential milk produced per ton of feed. Increased yield and improved feed quality can translate into more milk produced per acre, reducing feed costs and improving a dairy farmer’s profit.

As a result of this first year information, CURC has committed to continuing the partnership for at least two more years, and expanding the research on several other research farms. Information from the 2021 trial will be used to make adjustments to the treatments and methods for conducting this research over the next few years. Watch for our continued results of this trial and all other AgroLiquid research at AgroLiquid.com/Research.

Not that long ago, fertilizer management only focused on N-P-K. As yields climb, we know that we are having to increase the productivity of N, P and K through the supporting roles of secondary and micronutrients, such as sulfur and zinc all the way through molybdenum. But which ones? And how do we decide which of those pricey nutrients will be worthwhile?

The free Back 2 Basics video series is intended to take an in-depth look at the nutrients that may make a difference in your crop. We’ll go in the order that we at AgroLiquid look at a soil test analysis and help you understand the role each nutrient plays in the plant, how it interacts with other nutrients in the soil, watch-outs and more.