Quality corn silage begins from the ground up. Soil fertility, nutrient loss management and hybrid selection are key in developing a strategy for success that begins long before the seed ever enters the ground.
ESTABLISH A BENCHMARK
To help prevent unnecessary losses, soil testing should be an integral part of a farmer’s nutrient management plan.
According to Dr. Maninder Singh, assistant professor and extension specialist, cropping systems agronomy, Michigan State University, a quality sample that is representative of the entire field is a fundamental part of the equation.
“Not sampling too big of an area, getting enough soil in the sample — all of those are effective tools in getting a good specimen,” said Singh.
A nutrient fertility program is critical in silage production for both yield and quality. And fertilizer applications should be based on soil test levels.
MANAGE NUTRIENT LOSSES
Crop rotation should not be overlooked as part of the overall cropping system. Rotate multiple crops to bring a legume-based forage alongside corn silage if other species are not part of the rotation.
“As we do that, management becomes critical outside of corn silage because we are removing a lot of plant biomass with the silage harvest,” Singh said.
Establish cover crops to help minimize nutrient losses, especially a winter variety that can also improve water quality.
SELECT THE RIGHT HYBRID
Is the goal for the crop dual purpose or silage-specific? Will early- or mid-maturing hybrids perform best in your environment? Selecting the right corn hybrid for your farm is essential not only for silage production but also for improved management. Be sure to select a hybrid that is adaptive and able to mature in your production environment, so yield and quality are not compromised at harvest.
