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

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.