# Dry matter (DM)

> Dry matter is what remains of a feed or plant sample once all its water has been removed, usually expressed as a percentage.

- Source page: <https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/dry-matter/>
- Türkçe sürüm: <https://casseed.com.tr/sozluk/kuru-madde/>

_This document is a plain-text version of the page for AI tools and readers; the source page holds the current, authoritative information._

## In detail

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.

## Related terms

- [Silage maize](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/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](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/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)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/physiological-maturity/): Physiological maturity is the growth stage at which maize kernels reach maximum dry matter accumulation and a black layer forms at the kernel base.

## Related CasSeed varieties

- [TCS-906 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-906/): A late-maturity grain hybrid with fast dry-down and outstanding standability.
- [TCS-1634 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-1634/): A flinty red-grained hybrid with high protein and complete tip fill.
- [TCS-8716 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-8716/): A widely adapted grain hybrid with high test weight, suited to wider spacing.
- [TCS-8808 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-8808/): Complete tip fill, high test weight and a hybrid that rewards denser planting.
- [KALE (FAO 650)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/kale/): Broad ears and a strong stalk — a mid-late hybrid for both grain and silage.
- [PAJDAŞ (FAO 500–550)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/pajdas/): Early, drought-tolerant and widely adaptable — the leader of its maturity group.
- [ADA-523 (FAO 650–700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/ada-523/): 265–300 cm plant height and 9–10 t/da silage yield; also suited to starch and feed industries.