Articles
HYDROPONICS MAIZE FORAGE PRODUCTION
Article number
843_37
Pages
283 – 286
Language
English
Abstract
In order to produce a technological package for the hydroponics green forage (HGF) production, HGF was cultivated in Jilotepec, State of Mexico.
HGF allows obtaining, in an economic, fast and sustainable way, a fresh, healthy and clean biomass with high nutrient value for daily livestock and sheep cattle feeding.
HGF was grown in a rustic tunnel of 25 m2, on plastic containers of 0.24 m2. Three colors of grain corn (white, yellow and blue) (Zea mays) were evaluated.
Two kilos of seed from each grain color were used per container.
The seed was soaked for 14 hours in water with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) at 5%. A diluted nutrient solution was applied through micro nebulization from the 5th to the 10th day after planting (DAP). Harvest was made at 12 DAP. Plant height, yield and the conversion relation from seed to forage were evaluated.
According to the results it is possible to harvest in cycles of 12 days the following HGF yields: 1,522.5, 1,490 and 1,372.5 kg 25 m-2 from yellow, blue and white color grains corn respectively.
This would mean an estimated annual HGF production of 46.43, 45.44 and 41.86 t 25 m-2 respectively.
HGF allows obtaining, in an economic, fast and sustainable way, a fresh, healthy and clean biomass with high nutrient value for daily livestock and sheep cattle feeding.
HGF was grown in a rustic tunnel of 25 m2, on plastic containers of 0.24 m2. Three colors of grain corn (white, yellow and blue) (Zea mays) were evaluated.
Two kilos of seed from each grain color were used per container.
The seed was soaked for 14 hours in water with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) at 5%. A diluted nutrient solution was applied through micro nebulization from the 5th to the 10th day after planting (DAP). Harvest was made at 12 DAP. Plant height, yield and the conversion relation from seed to forage were evaluated.
According to the results it is possible to harvest in cycles of 12 days the following HGF yields: 1,522.5, 1,490 and 1,372.5 kg 25 m-2 from yellow, blue and white color grains corn respectively.
This would mean an estimated annual HGF production of 46.43, 45.44 and 41.86 t 25 m-2 respectively.
Authors
P. Espinosa-Robles, L. Espinosa-Mendoza, C. Pérez-Mercado, J. Agustín-Martínez
Keywords
Zea mays L., rustic tunnel, seed color, technology transference
Online Articles (54)