Increasing maize silage yields in Taranaki

Abstract

Improved productivity and utilisation of forages will be central to maintaining business viability on high value Tar anaki dairy land. Data from 712 plots in 119 trials planted over ten years in Taranaki was analysed to determine average yields and the impact of planting date on yield. Six rural contractors who plant approx. 90% of maize in Taranaki were surveyed to determine the perceived factors most limiting maize yields in the Taranaki. The overall average Taranaki maize silage dry matter (DM) yield of all hybrids from the trialling program over the past ten years was 20.5 t DM/ha and the average harvest DM content was 33.8 %. Currently commercially available hybrids yielded an average of 20 t DM/ha. Average maize silage yield/yr varied from a high of 22 t DM/ha in 1999 to a low of 18.3 t DM/ha in 2004. Planting between the 15th and 24th October gave the greatest crop yield. Paddock selection seemed to be driven by the need for pasture renovation rather than paddocks being selected because they provide an ideal growing environment for maize. Contractors suggested shelter was a key consideration for increasing yields. Keywords: cropping , maize silage , Taranaki