**Author details**

caffeic acids) in xylem sap of drought-stressed corn compared to well-watered corn, suggesting

**Figure 6.** Drought-stressed corn crop passed tassel emergence, showing reduced elongation of internodes.

Because controlled experiments evaluating the effects of abiotic stresses on corn silage are scarce, most of the knowledge on silage fermentation may be obtained from field experience. One reason for the lack of controlled studies may be that accomplishing and reproducing stress

One major concern when ensiling stressed corn can be the low DM concentration of the forage. As described before, if poor kernel development occurs, then low DM concentrations will likely occur [4], and therefore it might be very difficult to obtain a high enough DM concentration (>30 % DM) for an adequate ensiling process. In these scenarios, the likelihood of seepage losses or clostridial fermentations may increase [20]. On the other hand, drought stress conditions might also increase solute concentrations, which could decrease water activity and growth of lactic acid bacteria [20]. In regard to silage density, packing may be more challenging with heat-stressed corn as the dried and brittle leaves, combined with the lower content of grain,

reductions in lignin concentration under drought stress.

**7. Abiotic stresses and silage fermentation**

treatments are difficult [19].

48 Advances in Silage Production and Utilization

Gonzalo Ferreira\* and Alston N. Brown

\*Address all correspondence to: gonf@vt.edu

Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
