Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Silage making involves preserving green forage under anaerobic conditions through lactic acid fermentation. The suitability of a crop depends on its dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, and buffering capacity.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
An ideal silage crop requires:
1. High concentration of fermentable water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars) to serve as a substrate for lactic acid bacteria.
2. Low buffering capacity, which allows rapid reduction of pH (to below \(4.2\)) to inhibit spoilage organisms.
3. Optimum moisture content at harvest.
Among the options:
- Maize (corn) contains high levels of soluble sugars (starch/sucrose) and has a naturally low buffering capacity, making it the premier choice for silage production globally.
- Legumes like Cowpea and Guar have high buffering capacity and low sugar content, making them more difficult to ensile without additives.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).