Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of corn seed inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense , grown on black oat and ryegrass straw, and managed under different grazing strategies and doses of nitrogen. The experiment was conducted in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, during two agricultural seasons (2012/2013 and 2013/2014) in a randomized, complete block design with three replications. In the winter period, black oat and ryegrass straw were managed at different grazing heights by sheep (0.30, 0.20, 0.10 m, conventional grazing, and no grazing) with three doses of nitrogen (0, 50, and 100 kg ha -1 , with or without inoculation by A . brasilense ). We used the hybrid Pioneer (P1630H ® ) in 2012 and the hybrid Agroeste (AS 1551 ® ) in 2013. The height of corn plants was greater when they were grown on black oat and ryegrass straw, and the absence of grazing favored productivity. Under drought conditions, the application of nitrogen to the pasture favored corn development, increasing plant height, ear height, and stem diameter. Inoculation with A. brasilense had a positive effect on the characteristics of yield and productivity of corn, independent of growing season and hybrid used.
Highlights
The integrated crop-livestock system (ICL) aims to achieve high animal and grain productivity within the same year and seeks to be sustainable over time (Sandini et al, 2011)
In the two agricultural years that were evaluated in this study, 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, there was no interaction of grazing management × doses of N × inoculation with plant height (PH), first ear height (FEH), and stem diameter (SD), requiring the further elucidation of the individual effects of each treatment (Table 1)
During the 2012/2013 agricultural year, the height of corn plants was affected by different grazing techniques and inoculation with A. brasilense but was not influenced by the levels of nitrogen applied to the pasture
Summary
The integrated crop-livestock system (ICL) aims to achieve high animal and grain productivity within the same year and seeks to be sustainable over time (Sandini et al, 2011). In this system, the corn crop (Zea mays) stands out due to its various applications for both animal and human consumption and for its ability to generate income through the sale of surplus production. Pasture management is a key factor for both animal husbandry and the production of commercially important crops (Nicoloso, Lanzanova, & Lovato, 2006). One of the biggest concerns of grain producers is the potential for soil compaction by animal trampling in pasture areas, which can result in a reduction in the amount of crop residue that is left as ground cover due to grazing and can negatively impact the production of grain crops grown in succession
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
