Maize/oats forage rotation under 3 cultivation systems, 1978–83

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Abstract
A maize/oats rotation was carried out on a 2-ha site in the Manawatu over 5 years as part of an evaluation of alternative forage production systems to grazed pasture. Maize was established each spring using 3 cultivation methods: (I) plough/disc/harrow cultivation; (2) minimum cultivation using discs and harrows; and (3) noncultivation. In each autumn, oats were direct-drilled into the maize stubble. Both crops were harvested as fine-chopped silage. The mean total forage obtained per year was 24.0, 23.0, and 21.8 t DM/ha for the cultivated, minimum cultivated, and noncultivated systems respectively. In 3 of the 5 years the non-cultivated treatment produced lower maize yields than the cultivated treatment, whereas in the other 2 years yields were similar. Yields of the noncultivated oat crops were also slightly lower in all years. Lower plant populations were often apparent in the non-cultivated crops. However, improved seed-drill coulters and the more timely sowing possible with non-cultivation could give the technique substantial advantages. The trial demonstrated that maize/oats is a feasible forage rotation as both crops can be grown within a year, and high yields obtained.

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