Biomass flow and defoliation pattern in alexandergrass fertilized with nitrogen

Authors

  • Anelise Pereira Hundertmarck Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Marta Gomes da Rocha Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Luciana Pötter Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Paulo Roberto Salvador Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Tuani Lopes Bergoli Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Dambros de Moura Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • Pedro Arthur de Albuquerque Nunes Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Maria José de Oliveira Sichonany Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v33n1a2017-34021

Keywords:

Morphogeneis, Continuous grazing, Urea, Urochloa plantaginea (Link) Hitch

Abstract

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.

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Published

2017-02-09

How to Cite

HUNDERTMARCK, A.P., ROCHA, M.G. da, PÖTTER, L., SALVADOR, P.R., BERGOLI, T.L., MOURA, .D. de, NUNES, P.A. de A. and SICHONANY, M.J. de O., 2017. Biomass flow and defoliation pattern in alexandergrass fertilized with nitrogen . Bioscience Journal [online], vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 143–152. [Accessed22 November 2024]. DOI 10.14393/BJ-v33n1a2017-34021. Available from: https://seer.ufu.br/index.php/biosciencejournal/article/view/34021.

Issue

Section

Agricultural Sciences