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Effect of Potassium Fertilization on Chemical Characteristics, Yield and Nutritive Value of Corn Silage^{1, 2,}

Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Abstract

The effect of soil fertility on crop dry matter yields has been recognized for many years. In the case of potassium, Keeney et al. (1967) demonstrated increased dry matter from potassium fertilization. Nelson (1968) summarized research from many stations in which it was pointed out that the application of potassium fertilizer to potassium-deficient soil resulted in increased yields of dry matter.

Soil fertility has been shown to affect the chemical composition of corn silage. Keeney et al. (1967) reported increased potassium fertility of the corn plant resulted in higher starch content, increased fermentable carbohydrates, lowered concentration of protein-N and increased levels of carotene.

The objective of the research reported herein was to determine the comparative nutritive value for beef cattle of corn silage produced on potassium-deficient land or on similar land which had been fertilized with potassium.

The research reported in this paper covers 2 years of corn silage production and feeding in which the same 6 ha plot with an initial soil test of less than 113 kg K per hectare was used to produce the corn silage.

¹ Department of Animal Sciences Journal Paper No. 4376, Purdue University, Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Supported in part by grants-in-aid from the Indiana Farm Bureau Cooperative Association, the American Potash Institute, regional office, Lafayette, Indiana, and Pioneer Corn Company, Tipton, Indiana.

³ Professor of Animal Sciences, Professor of Agronomy, Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences, respectively.