Publication Date
1997
Description
The influence of different cutting frequencies and fertilization on dry matter yield, botanical composition, nutrient concentration and fermentation quality of grass silage was investigated. Altogether four treatments were compared; two 5-cut-treatnents with two different fertilizer levels, one 3-cut-treatment with fertilizer and one 2-cuttreatment without fertilizer. In the 5-cut-treatments the double fertilizer amount produced a 10% higher dry matter yield and also a higher proportion of grasses. The fermentation quality of these silages was mostly good, especially in autumn when the high nitrate content improved the quality. The 3- cut and 2-cut-variants showed a higher grass proportion, a higher crude fibre and lower crude protein and sugar contents. The quality of these silages was poor due to increases in butyric acid content. The conclusion of this study is that intensively produced fodder is easier to ensile than extensively produced fodder.
Citation
Wyss, U and Vogel, R, "Influence of Different Cutting Frequencies and Fertilization on Grass Silage Quality" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 12.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session17/12
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Influence of Different Cutting Frequencies and Fertilization on Grass Silage Quality
The influence of different cutting frequencies and fertilization on dry matter yield, botanical composition, nutrient concentration and fermentation quality of grass silage was investigated. Altogether four treatments were compared; two 5-cut-treatnents with two different fertilizer levels, one 3-cut-treatment with fertilizer and one 2-cuttreatment without fertilizer. In the 5-cut-treatments the double fertilizer amount produced a 10% higher dry matter yield and also a higher proportion of grasses. The fermentation quality of these silages was mostly good, especially in autumn when the high nitrate content improved the quality. The 3- cut and 2-cut-variants showed a higher grass proportion, a higher crude fibre and lower crude protein and sugar contents. The quality of these silages was poor due to increases in butyric acid content. The conclusion of this study is that intensively produced fodder is easier to ensile than extensively produced fodder.
