Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of self-seeding Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and nitrogen rates - applied additionally after two defoliations - on plant structure, in forage and seed yield. Levels of self-seeding were classified as very high (777 kg ha-1), high (736 kg ha-1), intermediate (624 kg ha-1), and low (234 kg ha-1). Populations were fertilized with zero, 20.25, 40.50, and 60.75 kg ha-1 of supplemental nitrogen applied after two defoliations; respectively, in very high, high, intermediate, and low levels. Higher levels of self-seeding promoted greater forage yield and uniformity of vegetation structure. Number of fertile tillers and number of seeds per plant have benefited by the combination of high self-seeding and supplemental nitrogen fertilization. Despite influencing the uniformity and amount of forage obtained in two defoliations, the very high and low self-seeding levels did not differ in Italian ryegrass seed production. However, linear addition for this same variable was obtained with the inclusion of supplemental nitrogen fertilization. In pastures from low and intermediate self-seeding levels, total dry mass increases linearly with the levels of nitrogen fertilization assessed in this research.
Highlights
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is used as a cover crop in winter
The success of the activity depends on practices that involve the management of defoliation, which is necessary to guarantee sufficient seed yield as to not compromise the establishment of the subsequent pasture (EVERS & NELSON, 2000; BARTH NETO et al, 2014)
Defoliation is employed during the vegetative stage in order to minimize impacts on seed yield and maintain straw production (CUNHA et al, 2016)
Summary
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is used as a cover crop in winter. In addition to being used for fodder and seeds, its high biomass protects the soil by supplying straw for soil cover, favoring the adoption of a subtropical crop-livestock system (MORAES et al, 2014; PETERSON et al, 2019).Italian ryegrass established naturally by self-seeding, which is traditionally, the method of choice in integrated no-tillage systems, has important outcomes such as reduced production cost beingApproved 03.11.20 Returned CR-2019-0510.R2 by the authorRural, v.50, n.6, among the most notorious. Italian ryegrass established naturally by self-seeding, which is traditionally, the method of choice in integrated no-tillage systems, has important outcomes such as reduced production cost being. The success of the activity depends on practices that involve the management of defoliation, which is necessary to guarantee sufficient seed yield as to not compromise the establishment of the subsequent pasture (EVERS & NELSON, 2000; BARTH NETO et al, 2014). Defoliation is employed during the vegetative stage in order to minimize impacts on seed yield and maintain straw production (CUNHA et al, 2016). Moderate defoliation garanttees sufficient seed yield for the proper establishment of the pasture, and reduces soil compaction problems when compared to intense grazing and is shown to be beneficial for the development of summer crops (AMBUS et al, 2018)
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