PRODUCTIVITY OF RAINFED CORN, SORGHUM, OATS AND SUNFLOWER IN THE SEMI-DRY CLIMATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

The productive and bromatological evaluation of rainfed forage species in semi-dry climates is essential for farmers' decision-making and the maintenance of mixed production systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and bromatological characteristics of rainfed corn, sorghum, oats, and sunflower in the semi-dry climate of Mexico. Plantings were carried out during 2021 and 2022. A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was used, where the variables evaluated were plant height (AP), dry matter (MS), dry forage (FS), crude protein (PC), neutral detergent fiber (FDN) and in vitro digestibility (DIVMS). All variables presented significant differences. Sorghum presented higher AP (2.67 m) and FS (12.1 t ha^-1) than corn, sunflower, and oats, which averaged AP values of 2.36, 2.15, and 1.27; and FS values of 9.63, 6.14, and 4.14, respectively. Sunflower recorded the highest PC (%), which averaged 12.82, followed by oats (9.2), corn (7.5), and sorghum (5.7). FDN was lower in sunflower, averaging 41%. Sorghum averaged 25% more t ha^-1 yield than corn and presented a two-year regrowth cycle, reducing agronomic practices. Sunflower generated 70 % more PC than corn, and thus constitutes an option for increasing the nutritional value of forages.