Corn fodder is often removed from a field either by baling or through grazing following grain harvest. Removal of all or some of the corn fodder will remove nutrients that would otherwise return to the soil and be available to future crops. When corn fodder is removed, it is important to determine the amount and value of nutrients removed from the field.

On average, the dry mater weight of a corn plant is split equally between the grain and stover (stalk, leaf, cob and husk). To determine total stover weight, figure the total dry matter weight of grain removed. Take the bushels per acre harvested and multiply by 56 lb./bushel. This will equal grain weight at 15.5% moisture. Multiply this number by .845 to get total dry matter weight. This number will equal total dry matter stover per acre.

The actual yield of baled stover will depend on how it is harvested. Shredding and raking will harvest approximately 80%, 65% will be harvested by only raking and 50% will be harvested by if only the combine windrow is picked up.

The type of hybrid, soil fertility, growing conditions and residue harvest date will affect the nutrient value of the stover. The following table can be used to estimate the fertilizer value on a 100% dry matter basis. Well dried standing corn stover will often range between 85 to 90% dry matter.

Very little nutrients leaves the field when cattle are grazed on the stover. Cattle will only consume 20 – 25% of the stover available and 98%+ of the NPK consumed will be excreted back onto the field.

140 bu/acre corn yield

140 bu/a * 56 lb./acre = 7840 lbs. grain @ 15.5% moisture

7840 lb./acre grain * .845 = 6625 lbs. dry matter grain

6625 lbs. dry matter grain = 6625 lbs. dry matter stover

6625 lbs/2000 lbs./ton = 3.31 tons dry matter stover

Shredding + Rake (80% harvest)
3.31 * 0.8 = 2.65 tons harvested
2.65 tons * ($1.68 + $4.62) = $16.68

Rake only (65% harvest)
3.31 * 0.65 = 2.15 tons harvested
2.15 tons * ($1.68 + $4.62) = $13.55

Combine windrow (50% harvest)
3.31 * 0.5 = 1.66 tons harvested
1.66 tons * ($1.68 + $4.62) = $10.43

These nutrient values will vary depending on the current value of the nutrients.