Effects of Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Quantity and Quality of Forage Corn in Daregaz Region (Iran)

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of plant density and nitrogen on quantity and quality of forage corn an experiment was conducted in Daregaz region in cropping season 2008 – 2009. The experimental design was a split – plot based on randomized complete block with three replications. The main plots were four levels of nitrogen (0 , 75, 150 and 225 kg/ha) and sub plots were three levels of plant density (75000, 100000 and 125000 plant/ha). The results showed that increasing nitrogen levels and plant density, plant height, percentage crude protein and total protein production (ton/ha) were increased. By increasing plant density, stem diameter, leaf and ear weight decreased while they increased with increased nitrogen levels. The highest forage yield obtained at nitrogen level 150 kg/ha (46 ton/ha) and 100000 plant per hectare (40.27 ton/ha). The highest total protein production (7 ton/ha) obtained at nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha and plant density of 125000 plant/ha.

Keywords

• Crud protein
• Dry matter
• Ear weight
• Forage yield