Production, nutritional quality and profitability of forage maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in a semi-desert region of northern Mexico
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Keywords
water use, starch, plant density
Resumen
Objective: To evaluate yield, nutritional quality, and profitability of four forage‑corn hybrids under two plant densities and subsurface drip irrigation across two growing seasons in the Laguna region.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out at the La Laguna Experimental Field of INIFAP (National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research). Four forage‑corn hybrids were used: 2620, Zamorano, P3270 and P3097. Planting was performed manually on March 15 for the spring season and July 10 for the summer season. Two plant densities were tested: 100 000 and 150 000 plants per hectare. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Subsurface drip irrigation was employed. Evaluated variables included plant height, leaf‑area index, biomass accumulation, green forage yield, dry forage yield, water‑use efficiency, nutritional quality and profitability. Treatment means differences were compared by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05).
Results: The density × hybrid and density × season interactions were not significant; however the season × hybrid interaction was significant. Green‑forage and dry‑forage yields were greater in the spring growing season. Hybrid P3270 achieved the highest yields of green forage (81.77 t ha⁻¹) and dry forage (25.29 t ha⁻¹). It also presented the highest starch concentration and the best benefit‑to‑cost (B/C) ratio (2.80), meaning that for every peso invested it returned 1.80 pesos.
Limitations/Implications: No limitations were identified in the present study.
Findings/Conclusions: Under the semi‑arid conditions of the Comarca Lagunera in northern Mexico, increasing plant density to 150 000 plants ha⁻¹ did not result in benefit. Yields of green and dry forage were higher in the spring season. Hybrid P3270 delivered the highest dry‑forage yield, water‑use efficiency, starch concentration and B/C ratio.