An Assessment of Corn Growers’ Awareness towards Silage Production in Bachok, Kelantan
Keywords:
awareness, corn growers, demographic factors, silage productionAbstract
Corn growers often face challenges in managing crop residues such as cornstalks, stems, and leaves after harvest. When left unmanaged, these residues can serve as a habitat for pests and plant pathogens, creating challenges for subsequent crop management. Many farmers resort to open burning, contributing to environmental pollution and undermining sustainable agricultural practices. An eco-friendly alternative is converting corn residues into silage, a preserved, high-quality livestock feed that enhances animal nutrition while reducing agricultural waste. This study assessed the awareness of silage production among thirty corn growers in Bachok, Kelantan, and the relationship between demographic profiles and awareness levels was examined. Data were collected through a structured survey and analysed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings revealed that corn growers generally exhibited a high level of awareness regarding silage production, particularly its role in waste reduction and livestock feeding improvement. Farm size showed a significant positive relationship with awareness of silage preservation benefits (r = 0.394, p < 0.05), while farmers rearing non-ruminant livestock demonstrated lower awareness of silage as a cost-saving feed option (r = −0.509, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that yield per season significantly predicted awareness levels, whereas age, education, and income had a limited influence. These findings highlight the importance of targeted extension services and practical training programmes to enhance sustainable crop residue management through silage production in Malaysian agriculture.
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