Comparison of growth performance and nutrient content of hydroponic corn (Zea mays L.) forage under different colored shade nets.

Date

10-2012

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

Major Course

Major in Structures and Environment

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Saludes, Ronaldo B.

Committee Member

Dorado, Moises A.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the growth performance and nutrient content of hydroponic corn (Zea mays, L.) forage under different colored shade nets. Cultivation of hydroponic corn forage was done using the nutrient Film Technique. (NFT). Corn plants were grown under three colored shade nets (blue, red, and black) and without a shade net (control). Plant samples were collected at two harvesting periods (7 days and 14 days after planning). The leaf area index (LAI) of each plant sample was determined using digital image technique. The nutrient contents (CP, NDF, ADF, lignin) of corn forage at the 7th and the 14th day were obtained from the laboratory analysis of plant samples. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects (P<0.05) of colored shade nets and harvesting periods on LAI (both main effects and interaction). The black and blue nets generated the highest LAI on the 7th and 14th day per after planning, respectively. Majority of the light transmitted through the nets are in the wavelength. Majority of the light transmitted through the nets are in the wavelength range od blue, which is responsible for the enhanced vegetative leaf growth. Significant differences (P<0.05) in all the nutrients except lignin were observed between the two harvesting periods. However, the colored shade nets showed no significant effect (P<0.05) on the nutrient content for a given harvesting period. It was then concluded that for better feed nutrients and economic purposes , it is better to grow hydroponic corn forage for 7 days only. The stage of maturity is a major determinant of the forage quality but it effect is greatly modified by environment aspects, such as temperature and light.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology

Call Number

LG 993.5 2012 A2 M36

Document Type

Thesis

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