Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ()

Biomass components and structure of massai grass fertilized with nitrogen and grazed by sheep

  • M.N. Lopes,
  • M.J.D. Cândido,
  • R.C.F.F. Pompeu,
  • R.G. Silva,
  • M.S.S. Carneiro,
  • L.B. Morais Neto,
  • M.J.A. Peixoto,
  • T.C.F. Carvalho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-10051

Abstract

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ABSTRACT To evaluate the biomass components of massai grass subjected to nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (control - 0; 400; 800 and 1200 kg ha-1 year-1 of N) and under rotational stocking with sheep, this study was undertaken using a completely randomized design with measurements repeated in time. A quadratic response was observed reaching maximum values as the levels of nitrogen fertilization increased for green forage biomass, green leaf biomass, green stem biomass (5,172.9; 4,146.3; 1,033.9 kg ha-1 cycle-1, respectively), forage total density (179.1 kg ha-1 cm-1), canopy height (36.8 cm) and live material/dead material ratio (4.0) at levels 896; 934; 797; 879.2; 751.4 and 1,161 kg ha-1 year-1 of N, respectively. For all variables, oscillation was observed between the grazing cycles studied. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive response on the biomass components and canopy structure of massai grass.

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