Variety traits

Maize Dry Matter

Zea mays L.

A fundamental indicator of maize maturity and nutritional value, used to determine optimal silage harvesting times and evaluate starch concentration.

In the reference 370 varieties crop Maize, where this is mentioned in the description.

To produce high-quality maize silage, the target dry matter content in whole plants is considered to be in the range of 32–35%. Harvesting at levels below 30% leads to excess moisture, loss of nutrients through effluent, and the risk of undesirable fermentation. If the content increases above 35–38%, it becomes difficult to pack the forage properly in silos, which creates conditions for mold growth and heating of the feed.

The accumulation dynamics of dry matter are directly linked to the maturity stage and starch accumulation, which determine the crop's energy value. During maturation, the indicator increases by an average of 3–5% per week. Excessive delays in harvesting lead to over-ripening, stem lignification, and reduced fiber digestibility, while the accumulation intensity is influenced by the hybrid genotype, weather conditions, and plant population density.

General information about the subject — on the page Dry matter.

Sources8

Varieties of Maize mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.