2018 Volume 64 Issue 1 Pages 1-6
We studied a suitable maize double-cropping system for silage in northern Kyushu region, Japan. First, we evaluated the yield and suitable relative maturity (RM) of the first crop. Then, we evaluated the effect of seeding date on the yield of the second crop. As a result, two cultivation systems were considered. In the first system, RM 100 to 106 varieties were used to plant the first crop and were harvested in late July, and the second crop was seeded in early August. In the second system, RM 114 to 122 varieties were used to plant the first crop and were harvested in early August, and the second crop was seeded in mid-August. In the first system, annual TDN yield was 2201kg/10a and average dry matter ratio of the two crops was 27.9% and 24.8%. However, in the second system, annual TDN yield was 2096kg/10a and average dry matter ratio of the two crops was 28.7% and 18.2%. Therefore, for a suitable maize double-cropping system for silage in this region, RM for the first crop needs to be below 106, the crop should be harvested in late July, and the second crop should be seeded in early August.
