International
Maintaining soil fertility despite intensive forage maize production?
Whoever practices an intense forage maize crop rotation has to keep an eye on humus content, soil structure, erosion and nitrogen output. However, it is still possible with an intensive maize rotation to achieve a healthy soil and a good nutrient balance.
F. Wiering
Table 1: Summary of maize based cropping systems
Felix Wierling und adviser Klaus Schulze Kremer
SAATEN-UNION Variety Susann
The following report shows how a farm with an intensive forage maize production insures that the soil remains fertile and high yielding using innovative methods.
The farm practices a non-inversion cultivation system and experiments with varying crop densities and different forage maize varieties. Reduced herbicide application rates have thereby been achieved. The cultivation methods are adjusted according to the site quality.
Catch crops are used regularly and also under-sowing in maize is well-established. Additionally newer techniques like strip tillage are carried out on suitable sites.