Extraction of nitrogen and distribution of dry matter in forage corn (Zea mays L.) in a clayey soil

Objective: To analyze nitrogen extraction in forage maize (Zea mays L.) and its distribution in the plant's stems, leaves, ears, and husks under different fertilization rates, and to determine the total dry matter (DM) yield in the plant and in each of its organs. Design/methodology/approach: Plots of forage maize were established to evaluate treatments with different nitrogen fertilization rates in a randomized complete block design with four replications in clay-textured soil. Results: The behavior of nitrogen extraction in forage maize production on clay soil was observed. No significant differences were found among the treatments. The DM yield was very low, ranging from 13.72 to 16.52 t ha⁻¹. The percentage of DM distribution was higher in the ear and lower in the husks, and the same pattern was observed for N extraction. Findings/conclusions: The dry matter yield in forage maize was not significantly affected by the applied nitrogen rates, and the yield was very low. The percentage of dry matter in the ear did not reach the 45% that the crop should have. Palabras clave: N rates, yield, plant organs.