What is Dry matter (DM)?
A freshly cut maize plant is mostly water. The nutritional value of feed (energy, protein, starch, fat) is calculated on a dry matter basis, which is why the abbreviation "DM" appears so often in nutrition tables.
For silage maize the harvest date is largely set by the plant’s dry matter content: around 30–35% whole-plant dry matter is generally targeted for good compaction and fermentation.
Why does it matter when choosing seed?
Judging silage yield on a dry matter basis allows a fair comparison of varieties cut at different moisture levels. Livestock rations are also formulated on a dry matter basis.
CasSeed varieties related to this topic
The relevant characteristics are listed on each variety’s technical sheet.
FAO 700 · CRM 120 · Grain and silage maize seed
A late-maturity grain hybrid with fast dry-down and outstanding standability.
FAO 700 · CRM 118 · Grain and silage maize seed
A flinty red-grained hybrid with high protein and complete tip fill.
FAO 700 · CRM 120 · Grain and silage maize seed
A widely adapted grain hybrid with high test weight, suited to wider spacing.
FAO 700 · CRM 118 · Grain and silage maize seed
Complete tip fill, high test weight and a hybrid that rewards denser planting.
FAO 650 · CRM 117 · Grain and silage maize seed
Broad ears and a strong stalk — a mid-late hybrid for both grain and silage.
FAO 500–550 · Hybrid maize seed
Early, drought-tolerant and widely adaptable — the leader of its maturity group.
FAO 650–700 · Silage maize seed
265–300 cm plant height and 9–10 t/da silage yield; also suited to starch and feed industries.
Related terms
Silage maize
Silage maize is maize grown so that the whole plant (stalk, leaves and ear) can be chopped, fermented in airtight conditions and stored as animal feed.
Starch content
Starch content is the percentage by weight of starch in grain or feed; in maize it is the main source of energy.
Physiological maturity (black layer)
Physiological maturity is the growth stage at which maize kernels reach maximum dry matter accumulation and a black layer forms at the kernel base.