Effects of different compost applications on forage and biogas production from silage maize

This research was carried out in Çukurova conditions in order to investigate the effects of different compost and nitrogen fertilization doses on forage and biogas production from silage maize (Zea mays L.) according to a split-plot design with 3 replications, with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (N) doses forming the main plots (0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30 kg/da) and compost (K) applications forming the sub-plots (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 kg/da). In the research, the highest green forage yield (5499.4 kg/da) was obtained from the N22.5 x K1000 interaction, while the lowest value (3011.0 kg/da) was obtained from the N0 x K0 interaction. In the research, the highest dry matter yield (1770.4 kg/da) was obtained from N22.5 x K250 interaction, while the lowest value (993.6 kg/da) was observed in N0 x K0 interaction. Although the highest crude protein content (7.18%) was obtained from N0 x K0 interaction, it was followed by N22.5 x K0 (7.17%), N22.5 x K250 (7.06%), N0 x K1000 (6.96%), N30 x K0 (6.90%) and N15 x K0 (6.78%) interactions with slight differences. The lowest value (5.26%) was obtained from N30 x K500 interaction. Although the highest ADF content (32.89%) was achieved with N0 x K500 interaction, it was followed by N30 x K750 (32.15%) interaction with a slight difference. The lowest value (20.66%) was obtained from N15 x K1000 interaction. While the N30 x K750 interaction exhibited the highest NDF content (54.07%) in the study, it was followed by N0 x K0 (52.15%) interaction with a slight difference. The lowest value (37.59%) was observed in N15 x K1000 interaction. The highest relative feed value (180.17) in the study was obtained from N15 x K1000 interaction and the lowest value (109.86) was obtained from N30 x K750 interaction. The N15 x K500 interaction provided the highest methane yield (470.26 m3/da) in the study, whereas the lowest value (253.47 m3/da) was observed in N7.5 x K0 interaction. In conclusion, the use of N22.5 inorganic nitrogen fertlizer dose together with moderate level compost (K500) application can be considered as a balanced and suitable option for sustainable feed and biogas production from silage corn in Çukurova conditions. Keywords: Compost, silage maize, forage quality, biogas, sustainable agriculture