Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the accumulation, structural characteristics, and chemical composition of deferred signal-grass pastures that were subjected to four treatments: without nitrogen fertilization, intercropped with calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides), and fertilized with urea N (50 kg ha−1 and 100 kg ha−1) for 2 years. The design was in randomized blocks, with two blocks and two repetitions of each treatment per block. There were effects of the interaction between treatment and year on green dry mass, forage accumulation, density of vegetative tillers, and crude protein content (simulated grazing). The effects of the treatments on the height, falling index, green dry mass/dead dry mass ratio, number of dead, live and total tillers, and crude protein content (direct cutting) were also observed. Signal-grass–calopo-intercropping ensured adequate mass and forage accumulation and crude protein content equivalent to those of fertilized pastures. In addition, the intercropped pasture showed a higher percentage of leaves and a higher crude protein content compared with those for the other treatments (simulated grazing). The green dry mass/dead dry mass ratio was highest in the intercropped pasture and was equivalent to only that of the pasture fertilized with a low dose of nitrogen. Therefore, signal-grass–calopo-intercropping may be recommended for deferment.
Highlights
Seasonal variations have a significant impact on forage production, especially during dry periods, in tropical regions and when climatic limitations compromise the development and chemical composition of pastures and affect animal performance
The highest sward height (SH) and falling index (FI) (Table 2) at the end of the deferral period for the BC treatment did not differ from those of the treatments that received nitrogen doses, which may be explained by the greater availability of nitrogen in the soil [11], as well as by the quantity and quality of incident light in the forage canopy
The deferment of a signal grass pasture generally results in an FI greater than 1.0 because of its decumbent growth form [5]
Summary
Seasonal variations have a significant impact on forage production, especially during dry periods, in tropical regions and when climatic limitations compromise the development and chemical composition of pastures and affect animal performance. Deferment management strategies can influence the forage mass, chemical composition, and structural characteristics of pastures, which affects animal production [3,4,5]. Nitrogen fertilization before pasture deferment can improve the forage mass and its chemical composition. In a study of deferred signal grass [5], the authors observed an increase in forage mass and an improvement in structural characteristics as the nitrogen dose increased, while increases in mass and allowance forage were identified [6]. Nitrogen fertilization considerably increases the costs of production, as the synthesis of fertilizers requires sources of fossil fuel, and most nitrogen inputs are currently imported [7]
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