Yield and nutritional value of sorghum genotype silages using Azospirillum brasilense in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Sorghum is a crop of great interest in animal feed in semiarid regions. The environment and nitrogen fertilization can influence its productive potential and nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate sorghum biomass genotypes associated or not with Azospirillum brasilense managed at different sowing sites on the yield and nutritional value of silage. We evaluated 3 sorghum genotypes combined with 3 fertilization strategies using urea, Azospirillum brasilense and the urea/A brasilense combination in two planting sites (Janaúba, MG, and Montes Claros, MG). A randomized block design was carried out in a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of 3 genotypes, 3 fertilization strategies and 2 sowing sites. Azospirillum brasilense foliar spraying was carried out using a costal (Backpack) atomizer and for silage production, PVC silos with weight and length of 50 cm and 10 cm in diameter were used. There was no triple interaction between the studied variables. There were differences between genotypes and between sites for agronomic traits. Statistical differences were detected between genotypes and sites for chemical composition, and sorghum forage on digestibility evaluations. The region of Montes Claros has greater forage production and the region of Janaúba has better quality of silage. Biomass sorghum genotypes have higher forage production and the Volumax genotype has better silage quality.

Keywords

• Biological nitrogen fixation
• Fertilization
• Forage
• Sorghum bicolor.