Influencia de la condición topográfica de la ladera en el comportamiento productivo de Megathyrsus maximus (Jacqs.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the topographic condition of a grazing area on the productive performance of Megathyrsus maximus (Jacqs.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs in Convento parish, Chone canton, Manabí province, Ecuador. Materials and Methods: Three topographic conditions were studied: upper (C1), middle (C2) and lower (C3). The trial was developed in the rainy season between February and May, under the farmer’s management conditions. The variables were: cutting time, biomass, leaf/stem ratio and yield. Results: The first cutting was done at 30 days under all conditions, the second cutting in C1 maintained the same interval, unlike C2 and C3, which was 75 days. In addition, a third cutting (50 days) was achieved in C1. Biomass was affected by condition, being statistically different (p < 0,05). C1 showed a higher average, with 1,43 kg/m2. On the contrary, leaf/stem ratio had a similar performance under all conditions. Conclusions: The yield of M. maximus was determined by the production and the area occupied on the slope. The productive estimation of the grass in areas of irregular topography is determined by the topographic condition of the region, and is related to cutting times and pasture development.

Keywords

• biomass; pasture; yield