In late August I, along with the NutriDense forage specialists and the silage hybrid development team, was busy inspecting silage test plots throughout the Midwest and Northeast. The variation in growing conditions from the upper Midwest to the Northeast has provided an excellent year for the evaluation of genetic potential, agronomic traits and relative maturity zoning.
Many cornfields in southern Pennsylvania experienced severe heat and drought challenges, affecting pollination and ear development, and resulting in lower tonnage and quality. Additionally, corn borer pressure resulted in an increase in stalk lodging. These plant health issues will lead to drier silage and ensiling challenges.
Central and northern Pennsylvania plots saw better growing conditions with more favorable rainfall and soil moisture, resulting in plant health improvements over that of the southern region of the state. It is expected that tonnage and quality should benefit from the aforementioned conditions. Positive quality and tonnage is also anticipated for central New York plots due to improved growing conditions and limited plant stress.
Generally positive results were observed in the Midwest. Despite adverse weather conditions such as hail and wind damage in some areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, trials showed good overall growth and health, leading to optimistic tonnage and quality predictions for these regions. Northern Illinois plots should also produce good silage results in the face of some unfavorable weather; experiencing wet growing conditions for much of the growing season.
The investment in agronomic trait technologies expressed advantages especially in stressed growing conditions. This year certainly showed us that growers who implemented good management practices will be rewarded for their investments. Incorporating soil fertility programs, appropriate plant populations for the field and fungicide use has led to positive results for NutriDense Silage plot trials and positive prospects for year-end.
Mark Schultz is a sales agronomist for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at mark.schultz@basf.com.
