HYDROPONIC FORAGE OF MAIZE GROWN ON SUGAR CANE BAGASSE AND VINASSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and protein content of forage of hydroponic maize cultivated on sugar cane bagasse, and identifying the appropriate amount of seeds, the ideal harvest date and the possibility of using vinasse as nutritive solution. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, in a factorial 5x2x2 scheme. Corn seeding densities were 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg m-2. Two nutritive solutions were used (6 L m-2 day-1), one as described by FAO and another as diluted vinasse. Harvests were done at 10 and 20 days after sowing. Fenologic measurements were carried out, as well as fresh and dry matter weight and crude protein contents were determined. On average, 1.0 to 2.5 kg m-2 of maize resulted in 11.88% crude protein, differently of the 0.5 kg m-2 density, that resulted in a significantly lower content. Using vinasse and harvest at 20 days, 2.0 kg seeds m-2 are sufficient to result in maximum fresh matter production. However, greatest dry matter weight were obtained using 2.5 and 2.0 kg m-2 seed at 10 and 20 days after sowing, respectively.