Effect of harvesting corn after frost in Alberta (Canada) on whole-plant yield, nutritive value, and kernel properties

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030459

Language of the publication
English
Date
2021-03-01
Type
Article
Author(s)
  • Guyader, Jessie
  • Baron, Vern S.
  • Beauchemin, Karen A.
Publisher
MDPI

Alternative title

Effet de la récolte du maïs après le gel en Alberta (Canada) sur le rendement, la valeur nutritive et les propriétés des grains du plant entier

Abstract

This study compares yield, nutritive value, and kernel properties of whole plant corn (WPC) harvested before and after a light frost in short growing season areas. Six corn hybrids grown in two years at three locations within Alberta (Canada) were harvested before or after the first frost. Samples of WPC were analyzed for dry matter (DM) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, starch concentration, and 48-h in vitro DM and NDF digestibility (DMD and NDFD, respectively). Cob samples were analyzed for DM, and kernels were analyzed for DM, hardness, particle size distribution, density, and stage of maturity. Delaying harvest to after frost increased DM content of WPC at all locations but exceeded the recommended range (32–38%) in the two warmest locations. Whatever the year and hybrid, DM yield was either not affected or decreased after frost. Postfrost harvest increased starch concentration and modified kernel characteristics only if these were less than expected before frost. Fiber concentration was not affected by harvesting time. Frost had either no impact or increased DMD or NDFD of WPC. We conclude that delaying harvest until after frost in short growing season areas can be beneficial when whole-plant DM content is low before frost.

Plain language summary

This study compared yield, nutritive value, and kernel properties of whole plant corn (WPC) harvested before and after a light frost in 3 locations in Alberta We concluded that delaying harvest until after frost in short growing season areas such as Lacombe can be beneficial when whole plant dry matter content is low before frost In warmer locations (southern Alberta) harvesting after frost may result in the material being very dry and subject to spoilage during ensilaging

Subject

  • Agriculture

Keywords

  • corn,
  • corn silage,
  • short growing season,
  • frost,
  • nutrient composition,
  • kernel,
  • yield,
  • hybrid

Rights

Peer review

Yes

Open access level

Gold

Identifiers

ISSN
2073-4395

Article

Journal title
Agronomy
Journal volume
11
Journal issue
3
Article number
459
Accepted date
2021-02-26
Submitted date
2021-02-18

Citation(s)

Guyader, J., Baron, V. S., & Beauchemin, K. A. (2021). Effect of harvesting corn after frost in Alberta (Canada) on whole-plant yield, nutritive value and kernel properties. Agronomy, 11(3), 459. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030459

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Crops and horticulture

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