Effect of Nitrogen fertilization on available forage and chemical composition of a Brachiaria decumbens stapf cv. Basilisk pasture

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate dry matter production, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf cv. Basilisk, subjected to increasing nitrogen doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1). The experiment design used was a completely randomized with three replications. Dry matter production and crude protein content increased linearly with nitrogen doses. The neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content was not affected by N doses. Thus, nitrogen fertilization is recommended as a management option to the evaluated grass.

Keywords

• Capim-braquiária
• disponibilidade de forragem
• fibra em detergente ácido
• fibra em detergente neutro
• proteína bruta