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What to do with late-sown corn?
Due to the large amount of precipitation that fell last winter and in the spring, the corn was sown late on many plots. Even into June. This raises the question of whether this corn will still ripen sufficiently, or whether it should be taken into account that the crop will have to be harvested prematurely.
This article will tell you more about what to look out for when harvesting late-sown corn.
Shorter day length reduces ripening
The day and night temperature, together with the day length, determine the speed of maturation of the maize. Towards November, both decrease rapidly. This means that the maize on a number of plots will unfortunately not mature sufficiently this year and will have to be harvested at a lower total dry matter content.
Minimize ensiling losses
Ensiling at a dry matter content of 28% or lower is accompanied by losses due to press juice. Try to collect these press juices by ensiling on an absorbent layer of straw or ensiling the wetter maize, if possible, mixed with drier maize. In this case, it is advisable to chop wet silage maize somewhat coarser (> 12 mm). This prevents too many cells from breaking and limits the release of press juice as much as possible.
Harvest as soon as possible
It may be necessary – out of necessity due to the current unfavourable harvesting conditions – to wait with harvesting until the second half of October. Are you aware that, due to the decreasing day length, there will be no more dry matter production from this period. There is simply no more starch produced. If you decide to wait longer, the crop will continue to age and the stem will become woody, resulting in a decrease in nutritional value and palatability. The plants may also be affected by fusarium. The advice is therefore: harvest as soon as the weather conditions and the soil conditions allow it. Choose the least bad option. In order to prevent ensiling losses, it is also worth considering using a preservative.
Beware of gas formation in pits with unripe corn
Especially shortly after ensiling wetter corn with possibly little to no cob, gas formation can occur after covering the corn silage. This gas mixture (nitrous fumes) is yellow/brown in colour and very toxic to humans and animals. Inhalation or contact with the skin can cause lung and/or skin damage (burn). Therefore, be very careful when ''leave away' this very dangerous gas. For example, take preventive measures by laying a pipe from the corn, under the foil, to the outside air before covering. Certainly do not lay this in the direction of a stable that may be nearby.
For questions about harvesting and ensiling your maize, please contact your KWS advisor.
