Corn (Zea mays)

Cool Season Annual

Corn is an upright annual grass that is the King of Forages. It normally is a full season crop that will not regrow after grazing or cutting. It will not tolerate much competition at early growth stages. It is quite drought and heat tolerant, but has a fairly high water requirement. Salinity tolerance is low as is the flooding tolerance. It has a strong deep fibrous root system.

Seeds per pound: 2000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 0.05

Uses:

  • Erosion control
  • Soil builder
  • Nitrogen scavenger
  • Weed suppression\
  • Stockpile grazing potential
  • Hay potential

Strengths:

  • Shear biomass production
  • Feed quality
  • Provides shelter

Concerns:

Starch content at maturity (acidosis), high nutrient requirement.

Grazing:

Excellent. Stockpiled grazing – feed quantity, quality and shelter. Does not regrow after cutting/grazing.

Hay:

Good. Drydown is a concern as is trying to put into round bales. Silage is easier.

Mycorrhizal support? Yes