Plantain silage quality under variable management practices

Bariroh, Nur Rizqi; Bryant, Racheal H.; Black, Alistair

Item

Plantain silage quality under variable management practices

Bariroh, Nur Rizqi
;
Bryant, Racheal H.
;
Black, Alistair

Date

2018-11-17

Type

Journal Article

Collections

Department of Agricultural Sciences

Keywords

Plantago lanceolata, nitrogen, inoculant, lactic acid

Fields of Research

ANZSRC::0701 Agriculture, Land and Farm Management , ANZSRC::0703 Crop and Pasture Production , ANZSRC::079902 Fertilisers and Agrochemicals (incl. Application)

Abstract

Two studies investigated the effect of regrowth and additives on preservation and quality of plantain ensiled in spring using a micro-silage technique. Study 1 compared the effect of regrowth at four (4L), five (5L) or six leaf (6L) appearance. Study 2 compared fertilisers: 20 kg N/ha (20N), 20N plus potassium and phosphorus (20NPK) or 40 kg N/ha with P and K (40NPK) and additives: cellulose enzyme (ENZ), molasses (MOL), Biosil (BIO) or no additives (CON). After 180 days, wet chemistry was performed on all silages. Silages were dark brown and had a sweet smell, though fermentation was limited with an average pH of 5.2 and 5.8 in Study 1 and 2, respectively. However, pH declined (P<0.05) with early harvest, and use of N fertiliser or additives. Harvesting plantain for silage following a long regrowth is not recommended as the high stem content at this time contributed to low crude protein and low digestibility.