Maize 2023
03 Introduction and review 04 Drilling tips 05 Agronomy 06 Nutrient Requirements 07-09 Fertiliser Requirements 10 Environmental Considerations 11-15 Variety Information 16-17 Nutrition 18 Options after Maize 19 Glossary 20 Game Maize CONTENTS
Please find below the selection of maize varieties that we will be running with for the 2022 season, along with some information on growing maize, and considerations to be taken into account before selecting a variety. We feel that we have a variety to suit each and every customer ’ s site and growing conditions, as well as end uses. Maize 2023
2022 season review • Below average rainfall • Hot and dry with droughting in some areas • Big plants with high moisture demand
struggled more in the drought • Still some good yields shown
Things to consider with drought becoming more common • Increased organic matter in soils to increase moisture holding capacity • Reduced drilling rates to allow plant rooting systems more space
Drilling Tips & Considerations In addition to variety selection, being successful in growing maize is also dependent on following good agronomy and management practices. Optimal soil conditions at drilling are required to ensure good germination and plant establishment. Modern maize hybrids have a high degree of cold tolerance but should not be drilled before soils have reached an even temperature of 8°C for light soils, 10°C for heavy soils for 3-4 days, usually around mid-April to May. Altitude Avoid high altitude sites which are often colder. As a rule, growers should consider 600 feet above sea level to be very marginal and have a shorter growing season. However, individual fields above 600 feet with lighter, drier soil types that will warm up quickly in spring can be considered. Aspect Ideally any fields selected for maize production should face south and be sheltered from wind. Avoid fields which are very exposed, or have heavy, poorly drained soils, and any locations which are known to suffer from frost. An established crop at 2-6 leaf stage can be set back 2-3 weeks by a late May frost. Avoid steep sloping fields to reduce the risk of nitrate leaching and soil erosion. Soil Depth To support its bulk and height, a maize plant requires a very extensive root system. Ideally, crops should be grown where there is a good depth of topsoil. Where the soil is shallower root development may be impaired and produce stunted crops, with resultant lower yields. Crop maturity can also be delayed. The same effects can occur where soil is compacted. Seed should be sown on to a firm base at 3-6cm depth. Use deeper sowing for lighter, drier soils and shallower sowing for heavy soils. Despite this, drilling into moisture is more important than depth. Weed Control Maize can suffer considerably from weed competition during the early growth stages. Ideally, a clean, weed-free site should be chosen. A weed control programme applying either pre-emergence and/or post emergence herbicides can be followed.
Maize Agronomy
Herbicides Pre-emergence Broad leaved weeds and grass weeds – PDM ( Anthem ) Post-emergence ( before buttress roots develop ) Broad leaved weeds – mesotrione ( Temsa ) or pyridate ( Diva ) Thistles – clopyralid ( Dow Shield ) Docks and volunteer potatoes – fluroxypyr ( Hurler ) Grass weeds – nicosulfuron ( Fornet )
Fungicides Eyespot – azoxystrobin ( Tazer )
Soil Analysis As maize is a valuable crop with a high demand for nutrients it is important to know the soil pH and available nutrient levels in order to apply the necessary lime and fertiliser to ensure healthy crops. Maize needs a pH of 5.8-7.0, but the optimal pH is 6.8. The field should be limed if the pH is 6.0 or lower.
Soil Nutrient Requirements To produce a good crop, maize plants need to grow very rapidly once they have germinated. They will do this providing the soil moisture and structure are good, the soil temperature is warm, and nutrition is adequate. Maize can easily produce 50 t/Ha of fresh weight in a period of four months. to support this rapid growth, it has a large demand for nutrients and any shortage will restrict early growth and final yield. Although established crops have a well-developed root system, root growth is slow in the early days of the crop, especially if the weather is cold. Poor root growth means decreased uptake of nutrients and this can be a vicious circle as poor uptake of N and P can restrict root growth. For this reason, it is advised that a starter fertiliser is placed close to the seed, even when the bulk of the soil is adequately supplied with nutrients. If you are looking at fields that traditionally suffer from run-off or are prone to erosion, then consider a slightly earlier maize variety ( modern genetics often mean that you won't lose yield and often gain some quality ) and look to place a cover crop in to help scavenge nutrients and stabilise surface soils. This in turn can be used as a green manure, used for grazing or potentially harvested before the following crop. Maize is a prime opportunity on which to use manure in the spring when there are limited opportunities for spreading on grassland. Be careful that applications DO NOT EXCEED 250 kg/Ha of Total Nitrogen to conform to the NVZ guidelines, The Farmers Rules for Water & all the relevant Codes of Good Agricultural Practice.
Fertiliser Requirement for Forage Maize
Index: - SNS 1, P 2 & K 2-
As maize is a valuable crop with a high demand for nutrients it is important to know the soil pH and available nutrient levels in order to apply the necessary lime and fertiliser to ensure healthy crops. When the maize field has been chosen a soil sample should be taken for analysis unless the field has been tested within the last 3-5 years. Bartholomews provide a complete soil analysis package which allows a tailored approach to nutrient management.
Option One: No Organic Manures
Option Two: 20 t/ha of Organic Manure
Fertiliser Requirement for Forage Maize Starter Fertiliser To be applied where possible, down the spout and placed near the seed in order to get the maize off to the best start. PhosphatepluS 0-29-5+2MgO+24CaO+19SO3 Compound Phosphate D 12.5-32-4+2MgO+5CaO+14.5SO3 Blend Phosphate T 0-32-4+2MgO+5CaO+14.5SO3 Blend DAP 18N - 46P TSP 46P Main Fertiliser We can make bespoke blends to fit your requirements, to be applied in the seedbed and worked in just prior to drilling. Alternatively, it can be applied after drilling depending on practicalities and preference. Final Fertiliser To be applied, if needed, as a top dressing after weed control & NO later than 3 leaf Stage.
Urea 46% Plus Protected by Limus® 34.5N + 3K + 1.5MgO + 4.5CaO +
12SO3 Season Long Blend 27N + 12SO3 Compound
Please remember to observe all the relevant Cross Compliance Guidelines & Farming Rules for Water that are now applicable. There are several different things to consider when planning nutrient applications to Maize. It's also very good practice to do one or two tissue analysis of the growing crop to make sure all the nutrients are in the correct balance & obvious deficiencies are addressed to give you the best possible quality & yield.
Remember: This is only a guide and requirements & nutrient values may differ depending on specific situations. N, P, K requirements derived from the RB209 ( Fertiliser Manual ) and the MgO & SO3 requirements adapted from industry recommendations. Following this process carefully will ensure you get the most out of your maize crop and adhere to the legislation regarding organic manures and nitrogen applications. The illustration charts are for guidance only & all compliance with current legislation is the responsibility of the Farmer / Grower.
Fitting in with the rotation Maize can be continually grown on the same ground if the soil pH and nutrient levels are maintained. Early maturing varieties that are harvested in September can have a wheat or grass crop as a follow on. Maize can also serve as a break crop for cereals.
Environmental Considerations
Harvesting maize in wet conditions can lead to surface compaction. Maize stubble left uncultivated over the winter months can result in surface water runoff and nitrate leaching into waterways. There is also a particularly high risk of soil erosion where fields are sloping and have sandy soil. If your fields are of a higher risk then consider growing an early maturing variety aiming for an early harvest in better weather, a light cultivation after harvest will encourage rainfall ingression and reduce run off or establishing a cover crop to stabilise the soil surface may be a good option.
Ultra - Early
Early
Maincrop
Skipper P7326 Pinnacle
Equity Autens P7034
Augustus Reason
Faith P7179 Yukon
Colonnada Farmunox Movanna
Name: Augustus
Bred by: KWS
Augustus delivers high starch content silage, ideal for all TMR systems, where short season maturity is essential. Rapid early vigour. Full cob sheath coverage with excellent starch and ME content
Maturity Class: FAO 160 ( MC10 )
Agronomic Factor: 29.6
Recommended Use: Forage
CWD: 58.8
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch %
37.8
16.7
11.9
50,000 Kernel packs
*At harvest.
Name: Reason
Bred by: Limagrain
Quick out of the ground and early to harvest. Reason combines superb cell wall digestibility with high dry matter yield to deliver top quality maize with assured feeding performance. Comes with the LGAN accreditation.
Maturity class: 10 ( FAO 160 )
Agronomic Factor: 28
Recommended Use: Forage
CWD: 59.8
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch
32.9
17.4
11.8
50,000 Kernel packs
*At harvest
Name: Faith
Bred by: Grainseed
A new variety from Grainseed, offering high yields from an early variety. Great cob formation, suited to those medium/heavy soils. Excellent early vigour.
Maturity class: 9 ( FAO 160 )
Recommended Use:
Forage
Yield ( % of control )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch
33.8
107
11.6
*At harvest
45,000 Kernel packs
Name: P7179
Bred by: Pioneer
P7179 is a new hybrid for 2023. It is an extra early maturing hybrid that delivers a very high starch content and has high dry matter yield for its maturity. It has a flint dent starch texture.
FAO 170/ MC9
Use : Forage, AD or Grain
Relative DM Yield
Starch
ME
100 %
37 %
11.6
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Lovely Bred by: Grainseed Excellent early vigour for quick establishment, with excellent resistance to lodging. Good cob to bulk ratio to fill your clamp with a top quality feed.
Maturity class: 9 ( FAO 170 )
Agronomic Factor: 26.41
Recommended Use: Forage
CWD: 57.93
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch 34.87
7.43
11.59
45,000 Kernel packs
*At harvest
Name: Yukon Bred by: Limagrain Yukon stands well and has excellent potential for grain or crimped maize production. Proven performance and a truly reliable variety.
Maturity Class: 9 ( FAO 180 )
Recommended Use: Forage or Grain
DM Yield ( % )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch yield %
104
99
-
*At harvest.
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Skipper Bred by: Limagrain A new variety that is expected to be NIAB listed 2024 as a first choice option. It brings new genetics to offer and early variety with high yields, without compromising on quality.
Maturity class: FAO 170 ( MC 9 )
Recommended Use: Forage & AD Starch %
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
35.8
18.7
11.7
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: P7326 Bred by: Pioneer Great choice for favourable sites – early harvest with fast stover dry down High rumen degradable starch and whole plant digestibility. Good resistance to lodging.
Maturity class: FAO 180 ( MC 9 )
Recommended Use: Forage & AD or Grain Starch % DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
35
93
11.5
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Pinnacle Bred by: Limagrain Combines a very high starch content with improved digestible fibre, to produce superb quality silage. Pinnacle is one of the best varieties available for eyespot tolerance. Excellent early vigour for rapid early season growth, combined with early maturing making it suitable for all maize growing sites. LGAN accredited
Maturity class: 9 ( FAO180 )
Agronomic Factor: 31.5
Recommended Use: Forage or AD
CWD: 58.3
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch %
50,000 Kernel packs
35.4 *At harvest
18
11.71
Name: Equity Bred by: Limagrain Can be grown on most sites, with superb early vigour and early season growth. Equity also offers good digestibility and consistent results.
Maturity class: 8 ( FAO 180 )
Recommended Use: Forage or AD
DM Yield ( % )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch yield %
99
98
11.6
50,000 Kernel packs
*At harvest
Name: Autens Bred by: KWS Autens offers stable yield performance & high kernel content, for proven starch yield in favourable areas. Fast dry down with good standing power and full sheath coverage.
FAO: 170 ( MC 9 )
Agronomic
Factor:31.65
Recommended Use: Forage, Grain or AD
CWD: 58.54
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch %
34.28
17.92
11.69
50,000 Kernel packs
*At harvest
Name: P7034 Bred by: Pioneer This hybrid flowers early and produces silage with a very high starch content and starch yield. Due to its faster ruminal starch degradation rate silage crops of P7034 should be clamped last and fed first thereby aiding the feeding transition from any old to new crop maize silage.
Maturity class: FAO 180 ( MC 8 )
Recommended Use: Forage & AD or Grain Starch % Relative DM Yield
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
37.7
89
11.6
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Colonnada Bred by: KWS Offers high silage yield performance and good early vigour in all favourable growers areas – suitable for forage or AD
Maturity class: FAO 190 ( MC7 )
Recommended Use: Forage & AD
DM Yield ( t/ha )
Starch %
32.1
18.9
*2018/2019 data
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Farmunox Bred by: DSV Farmunox has excellent quality with good fusarium and outstanding eyespot resistance. It is suited to both favourable and less favourable sites
( FAO 210 )
Maturity class: 6
Agronomic Factor:
33.9
Recommended Use: Forage or AD
CWD: 58.13
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch %
33
19
11.66
50,000 Kernel packs
Name: Movanna
Bred by: DSV
Suitable for very favourable sites, with excellent early vigour. It stands well, low risk of lodging and good cold tolerance.
Maturity class: FAO 220 ( MC6 )
Agronomic Factor:
31
Recommended Use: Forage or AD
CWD: 57
DM Yield ( t/ha )
ME ( MJ/kg DM )
Starch %
33.5
19.5
11.45
50,000 Kernel packs
Nutrition
Working example:
A 45t/ha maize crop at 30% DM will yield 13.5t DM/ha. Losing only 1% of this DM equates to 135kg DM.
In a diet containing 25kg/cow/day of fresh maize silage, 135kg DM would feed 18 cows. At 30litres/cow and 48ppl, this is the equivalent to losing £259.20/day. Over a 180-day winter this equates to a potential loss of £46,666 DM losses will increase the further it deviates from the 30-33% recommended range. Achieving silage stability and maximising nutritional value is of paramount importance and can be achieved with the aid of Pioneer 11C33.
Harvesting for Maize Silage
To achieve the best nutritional results maize should be harvested at the optimum dry matter ( DM ) content of 30-33%. To determine whether the crop is at the correct stage for harvesting, a visual assessment of the ‘ Milk Line ’ can be made. The ‘ Milk Line ’ distinguishes between the hard, yellow starch part of the grain and the soft, white, ( milky ) starch part. As the grain matures, the milk line descends towards the centre of the cob and the proportion of hard, yellow starch increases. To achieve 30- 33% DM maize silage, it is recommended to harvest when the milk line is halfway down the grain.
If the crop is harvested when the milk line is only ¼ of the way down, estimated silage DM will be 28-30%. Below 30% DM; Lactobacillus bacteria must generate higher levels of lactic acid to stabilise the silage, to achieve this they must consume more sugars which results in a nutritionally poorer and more acidic silage.
Furthermore, Clostridia bacteria prefer these wetter environments and instead of lactic they produce butyric acid; this is a weaker acid which prevents silage stabilisation enhancing the risk of silage deterioration and DM losses. Harvesting with a milk line ¾ of the way down will produce a DM silage of over 35%. Clamp consolidation is burdened when maize is harvested above 33% DM which will facilitate oxygen contamination causing silage deterioration and DM losses. Furthermore, the higher proportion of hard, yellow starch will reduce its digestibility and may pass directly through the animal.
Options after Maize
Optimization of ground for production of extra forage, whilst retaining nutrients, boosting soil organic matter and reducing soil erosion over winter. Follow maize with a winter cereal Forage Rye - very hardy, capable withstanding severe frost IRG - quick to establish, high yields for grazing or conservation Westerworlds - similar characteristics to IRG, good at reducing nitrogen leaching over winter. Cover crop - choices can be limited by cooler soil temperatures, winter hardy species should be chosen Stubble turnips/forage rape - latest sowing up to mid- September If a crop post-harvest is unlikely due to harvest date, and likely conditions, an undersown crop could be a good option. Under sow at 4-8 leaf stage – timing will depend on weed burden Sow at a rate of 20-25kg /ha Drill rather than broadcast to increase success of establishment. Under sowing:
Key benefits to undersowing:
Reduces bare soil – reducing risk of run off and erosion Holds the soil together during harvest, allowing better travel, less risk of compaction Can produce an additional forage crop overwinter/early spring Creates cover if a late harvest is required or risk of not getting a crop in afterwards Adds diverse root structuring and can provide organic matter if incorporated Water holding capacity increased Can count towards to SFI winter cover The key rule for undersown maize is the same as that for any cover crop. The performance of the main crop should not be compromised in any way by the undersown crop. Sowing too early will cause competition with the maize and issues with herbicides – MGA, 2022.
Glossary
Maturity class This reflects on how long it takes the plant to achieve 30-35% dry matter. An earlier variety will have a shorter growing season and a higher maturity class number. Alternatively, an FAO number can be used, indicating the number of heat units required to reach maturity. The lower the number, the less heat units required. CWD Cell wall digestibility gives a value to the rest of the plant that isn ’ t starch – the leaves and stem ( making up 45-55% of the plant ) . Usually expressed as a percentage, converted into a 1-10 number, each unit corresponds to a 1% increase in cell wall digestibility. This 1% increase can increase dry matter intake by 0.17kg/day. ME Varieties with high ME will be more digestible. This will pass through the rumen quicker increasing consumption and production levels. Lower ME levels take longer to process and are slower through the rumen. This is particularly important for rations with a high maize content. Starch This provides the link to cob maturity in the plant. Varieties that are ‘ early ’ will have more chance of reaching cob maturity, and more starch, than later varieties. High starch varieties are important in rations with low maize inclusion. Maize provides a good source of starch with less risk of acidosis than cereal starch as it has slower fermentation rates.
Agronomic factor: Total sum of factors – including early vigour; standing power; leaf senescence and eyespot.
All values based on an average for both favourable and less favourable sites.
We can also offer Game Maize!
Will achieve a spread of maturity cob ripeness and supply a valuable source of feed Tried and tested blend Combines early, intermediate & late varieties All varieties are selected for good early vigour and standing power Korit treated 50,000 seed packs Bartholomews Trigger Blend
Notes
If you would like any more information please contact the seed department on 01243 755620 or email: seed@bartholomews.co.uk
Visit our website at www.bartholomews.co.uk
@bartsagri
Unit 12 Berwick Courtyard, Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury, SP3 5UA 01243755665
Chichester Food Park, Bognor Road, Merston, PO20 1BF 01243 784171
Golden Cross, Deanland Road, Golden Cross, Hailsham, BN27 3RP 01825 872697
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