search
Contact Us
HOME

  • Crossref logo
  • Crossref Similarity Check logo
Journal Search Engine

to

Search Advanced Search Adode Reader(link)
Download PDF Export Citaion korean bibliography PMC previewer
ISSN : 2287-5824(Print)
ISSN : 2287-5832(Online)
Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science Vol.40 No.1 pp.37-43
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5333/KGFS.2020.40.1.37

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Forage Production and Nutritive Nalue of Geukdong 6, Teosinte Hybrid 〔Zea mays L. subsp. mexicana (Schrad.) H. H. Iltis〕

Chengyu Wang, Sang Moo Lee*
Department of Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Korea
*Corresponding author: Sang Moo Lee, Department of Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea. Tel: +82-54-530-1224, E-mail: smlee0103@knu.ac.kr
March 9, 2020 March 13, 2020 March 13, 2020

Abstract


This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen levels on the yield and nutrient quality of a newly developed domestic hybrid of Teosinte, Geukdong 6〔Zea mays L. subsp. mexicana (Schrad.) H. H. Iltis〕. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates and consisted of four nitrogen (N) application rates, T1 (200 kg/ha), T2 (300 kg/ha), T3 (400 kg/ha), and T4 (500 kg/ha). No differences were found in plant length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, dead leaves, stem hardness, tiller number, and fresh yield (p>0.05). The T3 showed significantly greater dry matter yield at harvest (heading stage) compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). The crude protein content of T4 (10.49%) was higher than those of T1 and T2 (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between T4 (10.49%) and T3 (9.63%). The effects on crude fat, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude fiber were not significant (p>0.05). The sugar content was higher in the T2 treatment than the other treatments (p<0.05). For Ca, T3 showed significantly greater content (p<0.05). However, no significant effects were found in the contents of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Zn (p>0.05). Na content was higher in order of T2 > T4 > T3 > T1 (p<0.05). Total mineral contents were not significantly different among the treatments (p>0.05). Given these results, we recommend the amount of nitrogen fertilization necessary for “Geukdong 6” to be around 400 kg per ha (T3), when considering, high fresh yield, dry matter yield, number of leaves and content of crude protein.


Dry matter yield , Geukdong 6 , Nitrogen level , Teosinte hybrid

초록

    Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION

    Based on statistical data of the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), as of December 2018, the number of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) and beef cattle has reached 3,090 thousand (KREI, 2019a), and the number of dairy cows have reached 408 thousand (KREI, 2019b). The number of Hanwoo and beef cattle has been steadily increasing since 2015. Therefore, the demand for forage crops is expected to increase more than the capability of domestic forage supply. One of the solutions is to tillage high yielding forage crops. ‘Geukdong 6’ is a hybrid of Teosinte, which has recently been developed for high forage yields due to high tiller producing ability. In addition, Geukdong 6 has more leaf to stem ratio, so palatability is good (Sagan et al., 1993). However, research results reported mostly about yield (fresh, dry matter, total digestible nutrients), feed value, and seeding dates (Cui et al., 2016;Kim and Lee, 2019). Determination of nitrogen fertilization levels is very important, particularly for newly developed highly producing forage crops. The optimum nitrogen level can result in high yield and good quality forage crops. Nitrogen positively affects leaf area development and maintenance of growth, photosynthetic efficiency (Arduini et al., 2006), and dry matter partitioning to reproductive organs (Prystupa et al., 2004). However, the levels of nitrogen in the soil are insufficient to meet the needs of high yield and good quality crops (Wira et al., 2013;Che et al., 1987).

    Fertilization helps to translocate a higher amount of dry matter yield, which is directly related to nitrogen (Wira et al, 2013), and the amount of applied nitrogen can determine the yield and quality of forage crops. When the amount of nitrogen is not sufficient, plant growth and tiller numbers generation are reduced, therefore, the total biomass declines (Sagan et al., 1993;Vos and Biemond, 1992). However, too much nitrogen application can elevate the content of nitrate, which is known to be responsible for plant disease (grass tetany and nitrate toxicity) and reductions in plant quality (Barker et al., 1971;Yoon, 1996). The optimum levels of nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of forage crops, and can improve the utilization efficiency of N fertilizer with lower environmental pollutant (Anjana and Iqbal, 2006;Dordas and Sioulas, 2008).

    The present study was conducted to determine optimum nitrogen fertilization levels of a newly develope Teosinte hybrid, “Geukdong 6” for forage production.

    Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS

    1. Experimental site and treatment

    The experiment was conducted at the Kyungpook National University experimental farm, South Korea (Sangju, 36.3783 N, 128.1458 E) from May 20th to September 24th of 2016 (harvested on the heading stage). A randomized complete block design with four factors and three replicates were used. The four factors were nitrogen application levels : 200 (T1), 300 (T2), 400 (T3), and 500 kg/ha (T4). At this time, the fertilizer used in the experiment was ureaⓇ. The test plot area was 15 m2 (3mx5m). The variety of seed was a Geukdon 6 of Teosinte hybrid〔Zea mays L. subsp. mexicana (Schrad.) H. H. Iltis〕.

    2. Crop Establishment and field management

    The seeding method used was 75 cm in row spacing, and 30 cm in seed spacing (4 rows per plot). The fertilizer was applied as nitrogen and potassium (150 kg/ha), with 60% as the basal fertilizer, and 40% as the additional fertilizer. The phosphorus (200 kg/ha) used the entire amount as the basal fertilizer. The time of additional fertilizer application was performed when crop growth was at the six leaves stage (Table 1).

    The soil used in the experiment was similar to normal soil for pH, total nitrogen and exchangeable cation, but was slightly lower in organic matter (Table 2). And, monthly meteorological data during the experimental period are presented in Table 3.

    3. Field Data Collection and Laboratory Analysis

    Growth characteristics (plant length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, dead leaves, stem hardness, and tiller number) were measured from 10 plants randomly selected from each plot in the experimental field. These characteristics were measured just prior to harvesting. The fresh yield was calculated after cutting the two central rows. Dry matter concentration was determined by drying forage samples in an forced air drying oven at 65℃ for more than four days. Dried samples were ground and stored under vacuum until use for analysis.

    Chemical compositions were analyzed for crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude ash (CA), and crude fiber (CF) according to the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1995). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were analyzed by the Goering and Van Soest method (1970). Total digestible nutrients (TDN) were calculated using the formula [(TDN% = 88.9 - (0.79 x ADF)] by Holland et al. (1990). The brix degree content was measured using a PR-101 sugar degree meter (Atago Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). PAL-14S, PAL-15S, PAL-12S, PAL-16S, and PAL-18S of refractometer (Atago Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were used for the content of fructose, glucose, dextran, isomerose, and inverted sugar, respectively. These measurements were carried out with the juice after compressing the plants. At this time, the compressing point was about 10 cm from the cutting part of the plant. The measurement of mineral contents of the extracted solution based on AOAC (1995) method. The solution were analyzed by ICP mass spectrometry (Inductively Coupled Plasma, Iris Intrepid, Thermo Elemental Co., UK). The analysis conditions were as follows: approximate RF power of 1,150 W, pump rate of 100 RPM, and sprayer pressure observation height set to 30 PSI every 15 mm.

    4. Statistical analysis

    The results were subjected to one-way analysis of variance with nitrogen level as a main effect. The mean values and standard deviations of the experimental results were obtained using SAS (Statistics Analytical System, USA. 2002) program. Duncan's multiple comparison test was used to identify differences among the treatments, which was considered significant when p<0.05.

    Ⅲ. Results and Discussion

    1. Effects of different nitrogen levels on growth characteristics and yields

    The results of the effects of different nitrogen levels on growth characteristics and yields are shown in Table 4. Plant length, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, stem diameter, dead leaves, stem hardness, number of tillers, and fresh yield were not significantly different according to nitrogen fertilization level (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the treatment levels, even though the T3 treatment (400 kg/ha) showed the highest mean values in leaf width, leaf number, number of tillers, and fresh yield. It seemed that the considerable variations in individual plants might cause non-significant differences in T3, which showed the greatest mean values. In a study by Lim et al. (2014), plant height was not significantly influenced by nitrogen fertilization levels in cultivated corn, and stem diameter increased almost linearly from 0 kg/ha to 180 kg/ha but decreased at the excessive nitrogen fertilization level of 360 kg/ha.

    Dry matter yield increased significantly (p<0.05) as the nitrogen fertilization level increased from 200 kg/ha (T1) to 400 kg/ha (T3). However, in the T4 treatment fertilized at the highest nitrogen level, there was no significant difference compared to T2 or T3, but the dry matter yield decreased. Lee and Seo (1988) reported that the yield of dry matter increased as the nitrogen fertilization level increased from 0 kg/ha to 400 kg/ha. Redillas et al. (2011) reported that excess nitrogen fertilization can cause lodging, lower yield, and increases susceptibility to pest attacks. On the other hand, nitrogen deficiency in plants leads to growth retardation, lower yield, and death (Amtmann and Armengaud, 2009)

    The greatest total digestible nutritions (TDN) yield was found in T3 (11,373 kg/ha), followed by T4 (9,292 kg/ha), T2 (9,117 kg/ha), and T1 (8,385 kg/ha) (p<0.05).

    As shown in the above results, there were no significant differences in growth characteristics (plant length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf number, stem diameter, dead leaves, hardness, number of tillers) because the cultivation period was short. According to the report of Kim and Lee (2019), the new variety “Geukdong 6” of Teosinte develops to the maximum inherited character when the cultivation period is over 160 days. Therefore, investigations of the level of nitrogen fertilizer applied according to the purpose of use (such as soiling and silage) and dependence on the cultivation period should be explored in further studies.

    2. Effects of different nitrogen levels on chemical compositions

    The effects of the different nitrogen levels on chemical compositions are shown in Table 5. Crude protein showed the highest content in the T4 treatment (10.49%), while T1 was the lowest (7.53%) (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between T4 and T3. These results were somewhat higher than those reported by Cui et al. (2016) and Kim and Lee (2019). Lee and Seo (1988) showed that higher content of crude protein of a Sorghum x Sudangrass hybrid, pearl millet, and Teosinte were detected by increasing nitrogen fertilization levels from 0 kg/ha to 400 kg/ha. This coincides with the present study. Mahmud et al. (2003) reported that application of nitrogen increased crude protein in forage. They also mentioned that plant nutrition may improve the quality of forage in terms of its protein content. Also, Mullins et al. (1988) reported that nitrogen fertilizer increased forage protein content in corn. Many investigators found that the protein content of forage maize could be raised by increasing levels of nitrogen (Ganguar and Karia, 1988;Cox et al., 1993). When nitrogen levels are limited and deficient, the photosynthesis is not fully used during organic nitrogen compound synthesis (Karic et al., 2005) Crude fat was highest in the T3 treatment, followed by T1, T4, and T2 treatments, but there were no significant differences among the treatments. Also, crude ash was the highest in the T1 treatment compared to the other treatments, but this difference was not significant. Crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content were higher in T4, which had the highest nitrogen fertilization level, but lower in T1, which had the lowest fertilization level. However, there were no significant differences between these treatments. This result is different from study such as Almodares et al. (2009), in which the crude fiber content decreased as the nitrogen fertilization level increased. However, Eltelib et al. (2006) reported that higher levels of nitrogen showed little effect on the fiber content of forage maize. The ADF content ranged between 33.01% and 35.92% according to the nitrogen fertilization level, but this difference was not significant. Similar results were obtained for NDF.

    The TDN contents were the lowest in the T4 treatment with high NDF and ADF content, but there was no significant difference among the treatments. These results are consistent with the finding of Kim and Lee (2019) and Kim et al. (2015), who reported that high NDF and ADF content reduced TDN content.

    3. Effects of different nitrogen levels on sugar contents

    The effects of the different nitrogen levels on sugar contents are summarized in Table 6. The Brix degree was significantly higher in the T2 treatment (4.84%) than in the other treatments, whereas it was the lowest in the T3 treatment (3.66%) (p<0.05). Fructose was highest in the T2 treatment, followed by T1, T4, and T3 (p<0.05). Glucose content was the highest in the T2 treatment (4.93%), while the T3 treatment (3.63%) showed the lowest glucose content. However, there was no significant difference between these treatments. Dextran and inverted sugar contents were significantly higher in the T2 treatment than in the others (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in inverted sugar content among the T1, T3, and T4 treatments. According to these results, the T2 treatment showed the highest sugar content represented as brix degrees, fructose, glucose, dextran, isomerase, and inverted sugar.

    Cui et al. (2016) reported that brix degrees, fructose, glucose, dextran, isomerase, and inverted sugar were 4.90%, 5.19%, 4.78%, 4.26%, 5.16%, and 5.42%, respectively. Therefore, compared to the results of this experiment, the T2 group showed a similar tendency, while the T1, T2, and T3 groups decreased. Generally, the sugar contents of the forage crops vary depending on the seeding time, growing period, fertilization level, climatic conditions, and soil conditions (Do et al., 2012). Sugar content in the silage are very important because it affects the fermentation quality of the silage ingredients (Smith, 1972;Hwang and Lee, 2014).

    4. Effects of different nitrogen levels on mineral contents

    The effects of the different nitrogen levels on mineral contents are shown in Table 7. The accumulation of macro nutrients in the “Geukdong 6” forage crop grown under different nitrogen fertilization levels was greatest for K, followed by Ca, Mg, and Fe, and the accumulation of micro nutrients was greatest for Na, followed by Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, and Co. This is consistent with the experimental results from Cui et al. (2016). The Ca content linearly increased from T1 to T3 but decreased at T4, as it was only significantly different in the T3 treatments, just state that it was highest in T3.

    The contents of Cu, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Zn showed no significant difference according to nitrogen fertilization level. The Na content was highest in the T2 treatment, but was only significantly lower in the T1 treatment (p<0.05). Total mineral contents were highest in the T4 treatment (23,211.0), followed by T3 (22,138.6), T1 (21,922.3), and T2 (21,239.6 mg/kg) treatment, but there were no significant differences between the treatments.

    The total mineral content in this experiment was lower than that reported by Cui et al. (2016) in all treatments. Many researchers reported that the concentrations of minerals in plants depend on the cultivar, climatic conditions, water conditions, fertilization conditions, harvest date, and rootstock condition in particular (Jaroszewska, 2011;Jeon et al., 2012;Nergiz and Yýldýz, 1997)

    Ⅳ. Conclusion

    Geukdong 6, a new variety of Teosinte, is a forage crop with a high demand for nitrogen, a high tiller ability, and high dry matter yield. However, it was found that low and high levels of nitrogen fertilization have adverse effects on growth and yield. Therefore, adequate nitrogen fertilization is very important for the cultivation of Geukdong 6. From this experiment, we determined that considering the growth characteristics, the feed value, the dry matter yield, and total digestible nutrition yield, the level of nitrogen fertilization is properly judged to be about 300 to 400 kg per ha.

    Figure

    Table

    Experimental design and method of fertilizer application

    Chemical properties of the soil before experiments

    Monthly meteorological data during the experimental period

    Growth characteristics and yield of Geukdong 6

    Chemical compositions of Geukdong 6 (DM %)

    Sugar contents of Geukdong 6 (% fresh content)

    Mineral contents of Geukdong 6 (DM mg/kg)

    Reference

    1. Almodares, A. , Jafarinia, M. and Hadi, M.R. 2009. The effects of nitrogen fertilizer on chemical compositions in corn and sweet sorghum. American Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environment Science. 6:441-446.
    2. Amtmann, A. and Armengaud, P. 2009. Effect of N, P, K and S on metabolism: New knowledge gained from multi-level analysis. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 12:275-283.
    3. Anjana, S.U. and Iqbal, M. 2006. Nitrate accumulation in plant, factors affecting the process, and human health inplication. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 27:45-57.
    4. AOAC.1995. Official methods of analysis (16th ed.). Association of analytical chemist, Washington, D.C., USA.
    5. Arduini, I. , Masoni, A. , Ercoli, L. and Mariotti, M. 2006. Grain yield, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in durum wheat as affected by variety and seeding rate. The European Journal of Agronomy. 25:309-318.
    6. Barker, A.V. , Peck, N.H. and MacDonald, G.E. 1971. Nitrate accumulation in vegetables. I. spinach grown in upland soils. Agronomy Journal. 63:126-129.
    7. Che, D.R. , Lang, B.N. , Wang, D.M. , An, M. , Han, Z.L. and Lu, J.B. 1987. Effects of different N rates on herbage production and nutrient composition of Smooth Bremegrass. Science of China Grass. 4:11-16.
    8. Cox, W.J. , Kalonge, S. , Cherney, D.J.R. and Reid, W.S. 1993. Growth yield and quality of forage maize under different nitrogen management practices. Journal of Agronomy. 80:784-788.
    9. Cui, Y. , Kim, E.J. and Lee, S.M. 2016. Growth characteristics, yield and nutritive values of new Teosinte, ‘Geukdong 6’. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 36:150-158.
    10. Do, G.H. , Kim, E.J. and Lee, S.M. 2012. Effects of harvest stage on agromic characteristics, yield and feed value of silage corn in the newly reclaimed hilly land. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 32:253-264.
    11. Dordas, C.A. and Sioulas, C. 2008. Safflower yield, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency response to nitrogen fertilization under rain-fed conditions. Industrial Crops and Products. 27:75-85.
    12. Eltelib, H.A. , Hamad, M.A. and Ali, E.E. 2006. The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on growth, yield and quality of forage maize (Zea mays L.). Journal of Agronomy. 5:515-518.
    13. Ganguar, B. and Karia, G.S. 1988. Influence of maize legume association and nitrogen levels on maturity, grain quality and protein productivity. Field Crops Abstracts. 41:7617-7638.
    14. Goring, H.K. and Van Soest, P.J. 1970. Forage fiber analysis. Agic. handbook. No. 379. ARS. USDA. Washington D.C.
    15. Han, I.K. , Kim, D.A. , Jo, M.H. and Han K.J. 1995. Optimum seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization level for maximum green forage yield of Sorghum x Sudangrass hybrid and winter rye in double-cropping system. Korean Journal of Animal Science. 37:661-668.
    16. Holland, C. , Kezar, W. , Kautz, W.P. , Lazowski, E.J. , Mahanna, W.C. and Reinhart, R. 1990. The pioneer forage manual: A nutritional guide. Pioneer Hi-Bred., Des Moines, IA.
    17. Hwang, J.H. and Lee, S.M. 2014. Effects of mixed application of chemical fertilizer and liquid swine manure on agronomic characteristics, yield and feed value of Sorghum x Sudangrass hybrid for silage in paddy field cultivation. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 34:155-162.
    18. Jaroszewska, A. 2011. Quality of fruit cherry, peach and plum cultivated under different water and fertilization regimes. Journal of Elementology. 16:51-58.
    19. Jeon, B.T. , Moon, S.H. and Lee, S.M. 2012. A comparative studies on the growth characteristics and feed components of Sorghum x Sudangrass hybrids at paddy field cultivation. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 32:29-38.
    20. Karic, L. , Vukasinovicm, M. and Znidarcic.2005. Response of leek (Allium porrum L.) to different levels of nitrogen dose under agro-climate conditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina,. Acta Agriculture Slovenica. 85:219-226.
    21. Kim, G.K. and Lee, S.M. 2019. Effects of seeding dates on the growth characteristics, dry matter yield and feed value of Teosinte new variety, “Geukdong 6” [Zea mays L. subsp. mexicana (Schrad.) H. H. Iltis]. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 39:9-16.
    22. Kim, J.G. , Park, H.S. , Lee, S.H. , Jung, J.S. and Ko, H.J. 2015. Effect of seeding methods and nitrogen fertilizer rates on the forage quality and productivity of whole crop rice. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. 35:87-92.
    23. KREI.2019a. Animal husbandry observation. Hanwoo and beef cattle. March issue. pp. 1-4.
    24. KREI.2019b. Animal husbandry observation. Dairy cow. March issue. pp. 1-2.
    25. Lee, J.K. and Seo, S. 1988. Effect of N fertilization levels on the regrowth, carbohydrate reserves and dry matter yield of Sorghum- Sudangrass hybrid and other forage crops. Korean Journal of Animal Science. 30:441-445.
    26. Lim, J.T. , Chang, J.H. , Rho, Y.J. , Ryu, J.H. , Chung, D.Y. and Cho, J.W. 2014. The effect of nitrogen rates on the growth and yield of maize in agriculture fields with the stream. Korean Journal Crop Science. 59:101-108.
    27. Mahmud, K.I. Ahmadm, I. and Ayubm, M. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on the fodder yield and quality of two Sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor L.). International Journal Agriculture Biology. 5:61-63.
    28. Mullins, G.L. , Ally, S.E. and Reeves, D.W. 1998. Tropical maize response to nitrogen and starter fertilizer under strip and conventional tillages systems in southern Alabama. Soil Tillage Research. 45:1-15.
    29. Nergiz, C. and Yýldýz, H. 1997. Research on chemical composition of some varieties of european plums (Pruuns domestica) adapted to the Aegean district of Turkey. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 45:2820-2823.
    30. Prystupa, P. , Savin, R. and Slafer, G.A. 2004. Grain number and its relationship with dry matter, N and P in the spikes at heading in response to N×P fertilization in barley. Field Crops Research. 90:245-254.
    31. Redillas, M.C.F.R. , Strasser, R.J. , Jeong, J.S. , Kim, Y.S. and Kim, J.K. 2011. The use of JIP test to evaluate drought-tolerance of transgenic rice over expressing OsNAC10. Plant Biotechnol Rep. 5:169-175.
    32. Sagan, M. , Ney, B. and Duc, G. 1993. Plant symbiotic mutants as a tool to analyse nitrogen nutrition and yield relationship in field grown peas (Pisum sativum L.). Plant and Soil. 153:33-45.
    33. SAS.2002. SAS user’s guide: Statistical analysis system institute, SAS Inc., Cary, NC, USA.
    34. Smith, A.E. 1972. A method for quantifying carbohydrate fraction in forage plants. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 20:238-239.
    35. Vos, J. and Biemond, H. 1992. Effects of nitrogen on the development and growth of the potato plant. 1. Leaf appearance, expansion growth, life span of leaves and stem branching. Annals of Botany. 70:27-35.
    36. Wira, A.B. , Jamil, Z.A. and Armizatul, S.A.H.2013. Effect of varying nitrogen level on plant sap characteristics and growth performance of tomato (Lycopercisum esculentum var. baccarat). Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Science. 41:183-191.
    37. Yoon, C. 1996. Effect of nitrogen fertilization and cutting dates on nitrate accumulation in Italian ryegrass. Korean Journal of Animal Science. 38:536-543.
    Copyright © The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science. All rights reserved.