Biomass and Biogas Yield of Maize ( Zea mays L.) Grown under Artificial Shading

Vanessa S. Schulz, Sebastian Munz, Kerstin Stolzenburg, Jens Hartung, Sebastian Weisenburger, Klaus Mastel, Kurt Möller, Wilhelm Claupein and Simone Graeff-Hönninger
Additional contact information
Vanessa S. Schulz: Institute of Crop Science (340), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
Sebastian Munz: Institute of Crop Science (340), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
Kerstin Stolzenburg: Centre for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), 76287 Rheinstetten-Forchheim, Germany
Jens Hartung: Institute of Crop Science (340), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
Sebastian Weisenburger: Centre for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), 76287 Rheinstetten-Forchheim, Germany
Klaus Mastel: Regional Council Freiburg, 79083 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kurt Möller: Centre for Agricultural Technology Augustenberg (LTZ), 76287 Rheinstetten-Forchheim, Germany
Wilhelm Claupein: Institute of Crop Science (340), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
Simone Graeff-Hönninger: Institute of Crop Science (340), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany

Agriculture, 2018, vol. 8, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Agroforestry, as an improved cropping system, offers some advantages in terms of yield, biodiversity, erosion protection or habitats for beneficial insects. It can fulfill the actual sustainability requirements for bioenergy production like food supply, nature conservation, stop of deforestation. However, competition between intercropped species for water, nutrients and light availability has to be carefully considered. A field trial with shading nets was conducted in Southwest Germany to evaluate the influence of different shading levels (−12, −26, and −50% of full sunlight) on biomass growth, dry matter yield and biogas quality parameters of maize ( Zea mays L., cv. ‘Corioli CS’). Shading the plants causes a delayed development, a reduction in height and leaf area index and a slower senescence. Dry matter yields were reduced about 18%, 19%, and 44% compared to 21.05 Mg ha −1 year −1 at full sunlight. Biogas and methane yields were also significantly reduced, the 50% shading treatment showed a reduction of 45% for both parameters. Further, shading led to higher crude protein and crude ash contents. If silage maize is grown under shade, the yields of dry matter, biogas, and methane are nearly halved under 50% shade. Cultivation up to 26% shading could be possible.

Keywords: maize ( Zea mays L.); agroforestry; biogas; shade; yield; growth; quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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