Carrying capacity of maize as cattle feed in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

North Sulawesi is one of the production centers of cattle as well as maize in Indonesia. On the other hand, there is problem in cattle grazing decrease causing some farmers cultivate maize as a forage, even though this it is still cultivated carelessly so that the biomass productivity is low. This study aimed to evaluate the use of applied innovations in maize cultivation as forages. The Demonstration plot was conducted in Kembuan, Minahasa Regency at elevation of 700 m above the sea, in June-October 2019. The method used Technology Display, where the innovation package included recommended maize cultivation such as superior seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and tractor using. Fertilizing in 12 dap, Urea 250 kg + NPK (15-15-15) 150 kg, then in 60 dap, Urea 125 kg and NPK (15-15-15) 100 kg. Weeding using herbicides at 30dap. Harvesting as fresh forage, all biomass at 75 dap, 35.64 tons/ha with TDN content 20.54 t/ha (58%) and provided a carrying capacity 11.34 UT, providing feed along the year. Financial analysis indicated the feasibilities, ROI coefficient 2.27 and BC Ratio 1.27. It can be concluded that maize farming can be a solution of forage fodder in cattle commodity areas.