Silage corn: western Oregon

Abstract

Silage corn makes excellent feed for dairy cattle because of its high dry-matter yield, energy content, and palatability, especially when mixed with other feed. Also, it does not accumulate potassium as do many cool-season grass species. Nitrogen (N) is the most yield-limiting nutrient for silage corn production. Most dairies in western Oregon have sufficient N from manure to produce their silage corn crop. Liming to increase soil pH is sometimes needed. Adding sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), or magnesium (Mg) is rarely needed when manure has been applied annually for more than 5 years. This guide provides nutrient and lime recommendations for silage corn established after conventional tillage or with direct seeding. These recommendations are appropriate for fields that receive manure and for those that do not. This guide covers western Oregon.