Biomass flow and defoliation pattern in alexandergrass fertilized with nitrogen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v33n1a2017-34021Keywords:
Morphogeneis, Continuous grazing, Urea, Urochloa plantaginea (Link) HitchAbstract
The determination of biomass flows can assist on improving pasture fertilization techniques, contributing to identify the best management methods and, in relation the use of fertilizers. Nitrogen deficiency in pastures can reduce forage production. On the other hand, there is an environmental concern on nitrogen (N) losses when this nutrient is used in excess and this concern guides the search for new grazing systems that optimize its use. Leaf biomass flow, intensity and frequency of defoliation were evaluated in Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea (Link) Hitch) fertilized with Zero, 100, 200 or 300 kg/ha nitrogen (N) as urea. The grazing method was put and take stocking in order to keep the forage mass at 3,000 kg/ha DM. The experimental animals were Angus heifers with an initial age of 15 months and body weight of 241.5±5 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measure arrangement, with four treatments and variable number of experimental units. The highest growth of leaf blades was achieved with 100 kg/ha N. Senescence and intake flows and defoliation intensity were similar among the N levels used. The frequency of return to the same tiller (days) was influenced by N levels and evaluation periods. Our findings recommend the use of 100 kg/ha N in Alexandergrass pasture.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2017 Anelise Pereira Hundertmarck, Marta Gomes da Rocha, Luciana Pötter, Paulo Roberto Salvador, Tuani Lopes Bergoli, Dambros de Moura, Pedro Arthur de Albuquerque Nunes, Maria José de Oliveira Sichonany
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.