Effects of different cultivation measures on the quality and in vitro digestibility of whole-plant corn silage

The present study aims to investigate the effects of two fertilization treatments no organic fertilizer (S₁), and organic fertilizer (S₂), two planting densities 6.72 × 10⁴ plant·ha⁻¹ (Z₁), and 8.25 × 10⁴ plant·ha⁻² (Z₂), and two mixed planting methods mixed four varieties (H₁), and mixed six varieties (H₂) on the quality, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of whole-plant corn silage. The experiment was designed with a three-factor randomized block design with 8 treatments and 3 replicates. The corn was harvested at the waxy ripening stage and ensiled 200 days before sampling and analysis. The results showed that the content of the lactic acid, acetic acid, crude protein, water-soluble carbohydrates, and starch in the S₂Z₁H₂ was significantly higher than those in other treatment groups (P < 0.05). In comparison, the neutral detergent fiber content in the S₂Z₁H₂ was significantly lower than that in other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability in S₂Z₁H₂ were also significantly better compared to those in other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Overall, “application of organic fertilizer + 6.72 × 10⁴ plants·ha⁻¹ + intercropping with six varieties” was found as a suitable cultivation measure in Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, showing better effects on corn silage.