Cultivation of fodder maize in India

 Fodder maize, also known as silage maize, is a popular fodder crop in India. It is a highly productive crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soils. Fodder maize is a good source of energy, protein, and other nutrients for livestock. It can be grown as a single crop or as an intercrop with other crops such as cowpea, soybeans, and mung bean.

Climate and soil requirements

Fodder maize is a warm-season crop and requires a temperature of at least 15°C for germination and growth. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but well-drained loamy soils are best. Fodder maize is moderately tolerant of drought, but it requires regular irrigation for optimal growth and yield.

Land preparation

The field should be prepared by deep plowing and harrowing to remove weeds and loosen the soil. If the soil is acidic, lime should be applied to raise the pH to between 6.5 and 7.5. Farmyard manure or compost can be applied to improve the soil fertility.

Sowing

Fodder maize can be sown either by broadcasting or by dibbling. The seed rate is 40-50 kg/ha. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm. The spacing between the rows should be 60-75 cm and the spacing between the plants within the row should be 15-20 cm.

Fertilizer application

Fodder maize requires a balanced dose of fertilizers for optimal growth and yield. The recommended dose of fertilizers is 120-150 kg nitrogen/ha, 60-75 kg phosphorus/ha, and 60-75 kg potassium/ha. Half of the nitrogen should be applied as basal dose and the remaining half should be applied as top dressing at 30 days after sowing. The full dose of phosphorus and potassium should be applied as basal dose.

Irrigation

Fodder maize requires regular irrigation for optimal growth and yield. The crop should be irrigated immediately after sowing and again at 3 days after sowing. Thereafter, the crop should be irrigated at 7-10 days intervals.

Weed management

Weeds compete with fodder maize for water and nutrients, so it is important to control them effectively. Weeds can be controlled by manual weeding or by using herbicides. Manual weeding should be done at 20-25 days after sowing and again at 40-45 days after sowing. Herbicides can be applied at 10-15 days after sowing.

Harvesting

Fodder maize can be harvested at any stage of growth, but it is generally harvested at the milk stage of maturity. The crop is harvested by cutting the plants at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground. The harvested fodder can be fed to livestock fresh or it can be preserved as silage.

Silage making

Silage is a fermented fodder that is made by preserving fresh fodder in an airtight environment. Silage making is a good way to preserve fodder during the drought season. To make silage, the harvested fodder should be chopped into small pieces and then packed tightly into a silo. The silo should be covered with an airtight cover to prevent the entry of air. The fermentation process will begin within a few days and will be completed within 4-6 weeks. Once the fermentation process is complete, the silage can be fed to livestock.

Conclusion

Fodder maize is a highly productive and nutritious fodder crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soils. It is a good source of energy, protein, and other nutrients for livestock. Fodder maize can be grown as a single crop or as an intercrop with other crops. With proper management, fodder maize can be cultivated successfully in India to meet the fodder needs of livestock.