Helpful or Not? – Biostimulant Use in Corn Silage Production
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 17, Issue 1 - June 2024
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Abstract
There has been a recent increase in both the availability and marketing of biostimulant products to local producers, particularly to dairymen, in Southern Idaho. These products claim to increase yield and nutrient use efficiency while improving soil health properties on commercial scale agricultural fields. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of five biostimulants on corn silage production. Measurements included yield, quality, and changes to soil health properties. Results from this two-year study indicate that none of the products tested increased corn silage yield, crop uptake nutrient, or soil health properties, such as infiltration characteristics, microbial activity or abundance, or aggregate stability. Statistical differences were observed in dairy feed quality between treatments, but results were mixed. Individual products may have benefits in some fields under certain conditions, but overall, these products do not seem to have robust impact on corn silage or soil health in Southern Idaho.
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