Brazilian Savanna Research Articles

Thermodegradation of organic matter in soils of different mineral composition in Brazil

Thermodegradation is an analytical tool that quantifies the loss of organic carbon under increasing temperatures. The degradation process is related to chemical functions and provides data on the stability of soil organic matter (SOM). There needs to be more information about SOM stability in different Brazilian ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate SOM stability under three tropical environments: Dry Forest, Brazilian Savanna, and Atlantic Forest. Thus, we related thermal stability to soil mineral composition and SOM quality and quantity. We analyzed samples of the surface horizon of four illitic soil profiles sampled in Dry Forest (P1 to P4), three soil profiles in Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna), with predominant 2:1 clay (P5), iron oxide (P6), and gibbsite (P7), and a kaolinite profile from Atlantic Forest (Rainforest) (P8). Mineralogical, chemical, and physical analyses of the soils were studied to better comprehend soils' behavior under thermodegradation. The thermic treatment was performed by heating air-dried fine earth (ADFE) samples at 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 °C for 2 h. The results were submitted to sigmoidal regression with four points and presented a good curve fit (r2 > 0.99). Dry Forest soils with the most humified SOM presented greater resistance to loss of SOM by the thermic process. However, P7 (gibbsitic clayey soil) stood out and was the most resistant to thermodegradation. P4 was the sandiest soil and showed the curve most affected by the thermal process, indicating the importance of clay content to SOM stability. The results suggest that the TOC (content and quality), calcium content, and clay (content and type) play essential roles in determining the thermostability of SOM in different ecosystems.

Changes in Land Use through Eucalyptus Plantations Impact Soil Fauna Communities in Brazilian Savannas

Soil fauna is responsible for one-quarter of all species on Earth, and these organisms play crucial roles in many ecosystem functions and services; however, these communities are facing several threats related to human activities, especially in the Cerrado ecoregion, the second largest biome. We aimed to evaluate the soil mesofauna communities in a native savanna (Cerrado) and two l eucalyptus stands to verify differences and infer possible impacts on soil mesofauna abundance and diversity through land-use changes, as well as find correlations between soil chemical parameters and soil mesofauna groups. Pitfall traps were installed in each one of the 12 plots per land-use type to evaluate soil mesofauna abundance and diversity in the dry and rainy seasons, and soil chemical analyses were performed at 0–20 and 20–40 cm depth per plot. We found that Collembola, Isoptera, and Diptera during the dry season collections, and Formicidae, Isoptera, and Diptera in the rainy season collection were more abundant in the Cerrado. The eucalyptus plantations have reduced the abundance of these groups, in addition to also representing a possible loss of biodiversity promoted by these monocultures. The organic matter, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorous, and pH contents can be used as good soil mesofauna indicators in the Cerrado.

Systematic review of field research reveals critical shortfalls for restoration of tropical grassy biomes

Abstract Scientists and policymakers are becoming aware of the pressing need to restore tropical grassy biomes (TGB), which are home to unique biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services to hundreds of millions of people. TGB face increasing threats, including forest‐ and tree‐centric restoration approaches that promote their degradation and  we still lack a systematic assessment of where and how TGB restoration research has been done to guide policy and practice. We synthesized knowledge on field restoration experiments by conducting a systematic literature review to map TGB restoration field studies, examine the association of restoration techniques and degradation sources and investigate the diversity of indicators used to monitor restoration outcomes. TGB restoration was concentrated at Brazilian and Australian savannas, with large blindspots in Asia, Africa and northern and western South America. Studies were largely context‐dependent, with an inconsistent usage of restoration techniques to different sources of degradation. Less than half of the indicators evaluated were monitored consistently through time, often using a low‐dimensional approach related to ecosystem functioning. Few studies manipulated fire, herbivores and soils, the key drivers for the re‐establishment of TGB dynamics. Unfortunately, many studies lacked negative (degraded ecosystems), positive (reference ecosystems) controls, or both, impairing attempts to robustly determine restoration outcomes. Our overview of field research on TGB restoration highlights that research needs improvement to refine our ability to assess, plan, implement and monitor restoration. Severe issues with experimental designs and data reporting are identified as barriers to find generality and upscale TGB restoration to meet the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Synthesis and applications. Our synthesis calls for enhanced field experiments, transparent data reporting and quantitative syntheses to guide large‐scale TGB restoration. The overall lack of knowledge on improving resilience and measuring outcomes hampers meaningful comparisons between studies and hinders synthetic views essential for determining appropriate restoration techniques for different degradation sources and suitable monitoring indicators. To overcome the scarcity of reliable and transparent data supporting TGB restoration, we propose a simple checklist for minimum research reporting information and more complete multilingual standardized guidelines.

Andean uplift, climatic events, and rainforest bridges determined the spatiotemporal evolution of the cumaru and tonka beans (Dipterygeae: Leguminosae)

Abstract Historical climatic and geological events are largely known to have impacted biome evolution across the Neotropics and their associated rich biodiversity. However, a clear understanding of dispersal and biome shifts between neotropical biomes over time is still lacking for many ecologically important plant clades. We investigated the timing and ancestral species movements within the early branching papilionoid legume Dipterygeae lineage of neotropical tree species, some of which are among the most ecologically dominant across Amazonian rainforests and Brazilian savannas, to understand how dispersal and evolutionary trajectories in biome predilection have led to their modern distribution. We also estimated the evolution of fruit types and discuss their potential roles in the colonization of non-Amazonian rainforest habitats. To address these questions, we used one nuclear (ITS/5.8S) and two plastid (matK and trnL intron) DNA regions of the Dipterygeae clade to estimate divergence times with a Bayesian relaxed-clock approach, ancestral area distribution, and evolutionary shifts in biome and morphological traits. All currently recognized species of this clade were sampled, covering its full geographical range. Dipterygeae originated in the Amazonia during the Middle Eocene, where it has undergone a long history of in situ diversification, particularly over the last 15 Myr. Dispersal events into the rainforests of the Brazilian Coastal Atlantic Forest and Chocó + Central America, the fire-prone savannas of the Cerrado, and the Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forest occurred independently. Most lineages ecologically associated with rainforests are dispersed by animals (zoochory), whereas shifts to open habitats generally coincide with wind dispersal (anemochory). Our study highlights the significance of geological events, climatic factors, and shifts in fruit type as crucial contributors to the diversification of Dipterygeae.

Describing heterostyly, pollen, and sexual organ reciprocity in Rourea chrysomalla (Connaraceae), a rare and threatened species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Rourea chrysomalla is a rare and endemic plant species from the Brazilian Cerrado, presumably threatened and lacking records within conservation units. In this study, we recorded and characterized, for the first time, the floral and pollen dimorphism, as well as the reciprocity of sexual organs among different morphs of R. chrysomalla. For this purpose, fertile individuals were observed over three years in two natural populations and supplemented by herbarium data. This species is distylous and distinctly exhibits two types of flowers, each characterized by stamens arranged in two whorls of unequal lengths: L-styled and S-styled morphs, both occuring in similar proportions in the two populations. Cross-pollination among anthers of any stamen whorl in L-styled flowers and stigmas in S-styled flowers is more precise in the two morphs, while anthers in S-styled flowers are less reciprocal with the stigmas in L-styled flowers. S-styled flowers exhibit larger pollen grains compared to L-styled flowers, with no differences between the two whorls of stamens. The balanced proportion of floral morphs provides equal opportunities for pollen donation and reception, and reciprocity between morphs is essential for the conservation of R. chrysomalla due to its limited distribution and low population density in the central Brazilian savanna.

Modeling the Brazilian Cerrado land use change highlights the need to account for private property sizes for biodiversity conservation

Simulating future land use changes can be an important tool to support decision-making, especially in areas that are experiencing rapid anthropogenic pressure, such as the Cerrado–Brazilian savanna. Here we used a spatially-explicit model to identify the main drivers of native vegetation loss in the Cerrado and then extrapolate this loss for 2050 and 2070. We also analyzed the role of property size in complex Brazilian environmental laws in determining different outcomes of these projections. Our results show that distance to rivers, roads, and cities, agricultural potential, permanent and annual crop agriculture, and cattle led to observed/historical loss of vegetation, while protected areas prevented such loss. Assuming full adoption of the current Forest Code, the Cerrado may lose 26.5 million ha (± 11.8 95% C.I.) of native vegetation by 2050 and 30.6 million ha (± 12.8 95% C.I.) by 2070, and this loss shall occur mainly within large properties. In terms of reconciling conservation and agricultural production, we recommend that public policies focus primarily on large farms, such as protecting 30% of the area of properties larger than 2500 ha, which would avoid a loss of more than 4.1 million hectares of native vegetation, corresponding to 13% of the predicted loss by 2070.

Mercury distribution in organisms, litter, and soils of the Middle Araguaia floodplain in Brazil.

Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that, depending on its concentration, may become toxic to living organisms due to the ability of Hg to bioaccumulate in food chains. In this study, we collected samples of soil, litter, and organisms in the Middle Araguaia floodplain, Brazil. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in litter were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that in soil, ranging from 10.68 ± 0.55 to 48.94 ± 0.13 and 20.80 ± 1.07 to 55 .19 ± 1.59 ng g-1, respectively. Total mercury concentration levels in soil showed a linear, inversely proportional relationship with soil organic matter (SOM) contents and soil pH, consistent with the geochemical behavior of chemical elements in flooded environments. Ten orders of organisms were identified, and the average THg concentrations determined in their bodies were up to 20 times higher than those in soil and litter. We found a significant linear relationship between the levels of THg in litter and those found in soil organisms, thereby allowing the prediction of THg concentration levels in soil organisms through the analysis of litter at the sample units. The different dynamics and feeding habits of soil organisms and the concentration of THg in these organisms may be influenced by the river's course. This study provides evidence of the bioaccumulation of THg in soil organisms in the floodplain of the Middle Araguaia River, an important river basin in the Brazilian savanna.

Influence of Sucrose and Activated Charcoal on Phytochemistry and Vegetative Growth in Zephyranthes irwiniana (Ravenna) Nic. García (Amaryllidaceae).

Zephyranthes irwiniana (Ravenna) Nic. García is an endemic, red list threatened species from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) with pharmacological potential to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This work analyzed the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of its potential compounds, in response to variations in sucrose concentration and activated carbon (AC). Seeds were germinated in vitro and in the greenhouse. The in vitro bulbs were separated in six treatments with different sucrose concentrations (30, 45 and 60 gL-1) and/or AC (1 gL-1). Biomass increases in individuals grown in the greenhouse were higher than those cultivated in vitro. Sucrose concentration significantly increased biomass and root number. AC had a positive influence on leaf and root size, and a negative influence on root number. GC-MS analyses indicated great variation in the abundance of α-terpenyl-acetate, ethyl linoleate, clionasterol and lycorine between treatments, with maximum concentrations of 53.06%, 38.68, 14.34% and 2.57%, respectively. Histolocalization tests indicated the presence of alkaloids in the leaf chlorenchyma and bulb cataphylls. Finally, the present study provided new evidence that the constitution of the culture medium directly influences the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of this species, providing a good medium condition for propagating the species under threat.

A plant-ant interaction in the Brazilian Savanna: The interesting case of Alibertia edulis (Rich.) A.Rich (Rubiaceae) and Camponotus rufipes Fabr. (Formicinae)

Plant-ant interaction in savanna ecosystems is an iconic example of species mutualism. In Cerrado, Brazilian savanna, it is common to find this type of interaction mediated by the offer of extrafloral rewards. This study described a new plant-ant interaction for the tree Alibertia edulis (Rubiaceae) and the ant species Camponotus rufipes and elucidated the main structure involved in the interaction. To do so, (i) we monitored the phenology of A. edulis, (ii) recorded the ant species visitation, and, (iii) collected fruits in different stages of development to perform anatomical and histochemical trials to characterize the structures and chemical components related to the secreted substances - which could be responsible for attracting the ants. Ants’ visitation starts at the beginning of fruit development and stops when they are completely ripe. An extrafloral nectary – pericarpical nectary - on the top of the fruits was identified and described for the first time in the Alibertia edulis, derived from the flower structure, which remains to exude (sugar components) during the fruit development. Based on these results, C. rufipes, known for being an aggressive ant, may play a role in protecting fruits against predation until they are completely ripe and the seeds are ready to be dispersed. During seed dispersal, the fruits reduce the production of nectar, signaling the end of the partnership with the ants until the next reproductive season. Here, we shed light and bring new insights into a new plant-ant interaction for a widely spread tree and ant species.

Large wood recruitment, retention and mobilization in low-order streams of the Brazilian Savanna

The delivery of wood to streams varies in space and time and may occur continuously or episodically. Once in a stream, wood may be retained or transported due to the balance between driving (water flow) and resisting forces (channel features and wood characteristics). Despite there being few studies directly measuring wood mobility, notable variations in annual transport rates and mean travelled distances have already been detected worldwide. In the tropics, due to wetter and warmer conditions and consequently higher decay rates and peak discharge, wood is believed that more readily degraded and transported downstream. However, there exists a knowledge gap regarding wood dynamics in tropical streams and even more considering tropical non-forested environments. In the present study, we aimed to document large wood (LW) recruitment, retention, and mobilization over a period of one year in eight low-order streams of the Cerrado (the South American Savanna) by tagging and tracing LW pieces. We detected high LW transport and recruitment rates in Cerrado streams, such that the total wood amounts remained constant over time. However, there were important differences between streams due to their distinct channel morphologies and the occurrence of episodic events. The LW length and diameter, original location and orientation were the most important factors in the prediction of the LW travelled distance, which ranged from zero to almost 100 m in one year. Our findings provide unprecedented information regarding wood mobility in tropical savanna streams in South America. To further advance knowledge about the dynamics of wood in Cerrado streams, future studies should characterize the great diversity of wood, especially with regard to densities that may strongly affect wood mobility. Furthermore, it is essential to perform long-term studies to document the dynamics of wood over years in these environments.

Effect of liming in plinthic and petroplinthic soils for soybean cultivation in the Brazilian Savanna

Agricultural expansion is advancing on marginal soils (Plinthic soils), but the liming recommendation for this soil, especially for soybean cultivation, remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate soybean (Glycine max) responses to limestone doses in concretionary soils (plinthic and/or petroplinthic). The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse, in randomized blocks, with four soil types and six limestone doses (4x6 factorial scheme), with four replicates. Soils were: RYO: Red-Yellow Oxisols; CPP-29, CPP-72, CPP-82 corresponds to the Concretionary Petric Plinthosol with 29, 72, and 82% concretions, respectively. Limestone doses varied from 0 to 4 times for each soil, based on the recommendation of regional bulletins. Soil temperature, crop emergence, development, and soybean yield characteristics were evaluated. Results were evaluated by ANOVA, followed by the LSD test or polynomial regression adjustment (p ≤ 0.05). Soybean response to liming varied with soil types. Seedlings showed lower vigor in Plinthic soils with plinthite contents ≥72%. These soils showed higher thermal accumulation (°C), and this increase showed a strong negative correlation with soybean development and reproductive characteristics. Evidence of liming response was observed after crop stage V5. Limestone substantially improved soybean growth and development in Plinthic soils with high plinthite levels, although they had lower yield potential than low plinthite levels and Oxisol. In general, the maximum response of the crop occurred at doses ~2 times higher than that practiced in the Brazilian Savanna region, especially in Plinthic soils

Complexity of the Male Perfume of Eulaema nigrita from Forest and Woody Physiognomies of the Brazilian Savanna: Is There a Relationship with Body Size and Wing Wear?

Male orchid bees collect volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the environment for storage and accumulation in specialized hind legs. Later, these compounds form a perfume blend used during courtship to lure conspecific females for mating. Male orchid bees perfume has been suggested to play an important role as a sexual signaling trait involved in pre-mating isolation of species, functioning as an indicator of male genetic quality. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier (Apidae: Euglossini) is a common species in both forested and woody savanna (Cerrado stricto sensu) physiognomies of the Brazilian savanna biome. By identifying the chemical composition of male E. nigrita perfume, we tested for differences in the bouquet chemical profile in populations from remnants of seasonal semideciduous forest and woody savanna. In addition, we assessed the relation between perfume complexity and morphological traits associated with size and age of males. Our analysis showed a low effect of physiognomies on differences in the perfume chemical profile of sampled males. Nevertheless, we observed significant differences in the chemical profile of individuals from two seasonal semideciduous forest remnants, which suggests an environmental effect in individual bouquet. Wing wear measurements were positively related to perfume complexity, consistent with the premise that perfumes from older individuals are indicators of survival capacity in male orchid bees.

Stem wound healing is dependent upon bark and trunk growth rates in Brazilian savanna

Stem wound healing is dependent upon bark and trunk growth rates in Brazilian savanna

The effect of urbanization on species composition and trophic guilds of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in the Brazilian Savanna.

Urban environments present less environmental heterogeneity in relation to the natural ones, affecting the biodiversity of bats and the ecological processes in which they participate. In this way, we will identify how urbanization influences the structure of bat communities in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. We compared species composition, guilds and bat richness in a gradient that crossed urban, semi-urban and natural areas in the municipality of Goiânia, contained in the Cerrado biome. We captured a total of 775 bats of 16 species distributed in three families. Urban areas had a higher species abundance, while semi-urban areas had a higher species richness. The three types of environments have different compositions, the urban one being more homogeneous, the fauna in these areas is composed of generalist species, which benefit from this process. The diversity present in semi-urban areas is a consequence of the intersection between urban and natural fauna, which is why urban expansion needs to occur in a planned manner to minimize the impacts of this process and ensure the maintenance of biodiversity.

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos em genótipos de cevada irrigada no cerrado brasileiro do Distrito Federal

ABSTRACT Barley is an important crop for Brazil and an advantageous alternative for irrigated cultivation in the Brazilian Savanna. The present study aimed to characterize and estimate genetic, phenotypic, and environmental parameters and select genotypes from the Embrapa Cerrados irrigated barley working collection. The experiment was established in Randomized Blocks with four replications under irrigation in Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina-DF. The traits evaluated were grain yield, commercial classification of first grains, 1000-seed weight, plant height, lodging, and cycle. The genetic parameters and correlations between the traits evaluated were obtained. High values of heritability, in a broad sense, were verified. The high coefficients of genotypic variance and the high selective accuracy obtained corroborate the favorable environmental condition for the selection of genotypes. It was verified that the genotypic correlations were higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficients, showing a greater contribution of genetic factors in the expression of the traits. Earlier genotypes had higher grain yields, first-class commercial classification, 1000-seed weight, and height. There was a strong positive correlation between the commercial classification of first grains and 1000-seed weight. Genotypes PFC 2005143, PFC 2006134, and PFC 2004212 were selected for use in crossbreeding blocks within the Brazilian irrigated barley breeding program.

Reduced gene flow and bottleneck in the threatened giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus): implications for its conservation.

The progressive fragmentation and loss of habitats represent the main threats for endangered species, causing genetic consequences that may have potential implications for a population's long-term persistence. Large mammals are the most affected species among vertebrates. The giant armadillo Priodontes maximus is a large South American mammal threatened species, showing nocturnal, solitary and fossorial behavior, occurring at low population densities, and its population dynamics are still poorly known. In this study, we carried out the first assessment of genetic variability and population genetic structure of the species, using a panel of 15 polymorphic microsatellites developed by high-throughput genome sequencing. The spatial Bayesian clustering, Fst and Dest results indicated the presence of two genetic clusters (K = 2) in the study area. These results suggest a reduction in gene flow between individuals inhabiting the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) and the Pantanal wetlands, with the increased human-driven habitat modifications possibly contributing for this scenario. A bottleneck signal was detected in both populations, and a subpopulation structuring in the Cerrado may also be reflecting consequences of the extensive habitat modifications. Findings from this study provide important and useful information for the future maintenance of genetic diversity and long-term conservation of this flagship species.

Is leaf fluctuating asymmetry related to plant and leaf size in Miconia albicans, a common Melastomataceae species?

Fluctuating asymmetry, defined as random differences between the two sides of a symmetrical structure, has been often related to development stress in both plants and animals. In plants, leaf fluctuating asymmetry has been related to stresses such as pollution and fire and may also be related to leaf growth and herbivory rates. We assessed whether leaf fluctuating asymmetry is related to plant and leaf size in Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (Melastomataceae), a common multi-stem Neotropical shrub, in a Brazilian savanna area. We collected 15 leaves from each of 70 individuals, and measured fluctuating asymmetry as the difference in area between the right and left sides of the leaves using the central vein as reference. To avoid spurious results due to measurement error, the division along the central vein was performed independently by three researchers. We also measured the basal area and height of each stem of the plant individuals. We used linear models to assess the relations between leaf fluctuating asymmetry, plant size and leaf size. No consistent relations were observed between leaf fluctuating asymmetry and plant size, as the analyses performed on the fluctuating asymmetry values obtained by the different researchers showed different results. However, relative fluctuating asymmetry values, obtained by dividing the fluctuating asymmetry by the total leaf area, tended to be smaller in larger leaves. It thus appears that, in the study species, fluctuating asymmetry is related to the developmental conditions faced by the individual leaves and not by the plant as a whole.

Long-term effects of nitrogen enrichment in pollen chemistry of a plant species from Brazilian savannas, Pavonia rosa campestris

Human activities have substantially increased soil nutrient availability during the past decades, affecting plant community composition and plants' nutritional content. Several amino acids found in pollen, the main source of larval diet for bees, affect the development, health, and behaviour of this important group of pollinators. A better understanding of the consequences of global changes on pollen amino acid content can help explain and predict future impacts on bee populations and diversity. This is particularly relevant in regions that are highly exposed to fertilizers due to their importance for global food production, such as the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado), where soils are mostly dystrophic. Here, we use a long-term controlled fertilization experiment conducted in Cerrado and demonstrate that even after 10 years since the last fertilization addition, effects were still detectable on leaf and pollen chemical content. More specifically, pollen amino acid content of Pavonia rosa-campestris (Malvaceae), a species known to be important for the diet of several native bee species, changed because of nitrogen (N) addition. Not only did the overall amino acid content increase with N addition, but its profile was also affected, with the proportion of some amino acids increasing (e.g. isoleucine, leucine, serine, threonine), while decreasing for others (e.g. cysteine). These amino acids can have important effects on larval development and flower visitor behaviour. Further studies evaluating the effects on a diverse set of plant species and the consequent impacts on flower visitation and bee fitness are essential to better understand the full consequences of increased nitrogen availability in nutrient-limited ecosystems such as Cerrado.

Frequency analysis of extreme air temperature events in an urban center in the Brazilian savanna

The increase in the planet's average air temperature in recent years has influenced the pattern of natural climatic phenomenons, with levels outside the normal range, the occurrence of prolonged dry periods, torrential rains and heat waves. Due to the climate crisis, extreme events have become increasingly frequent and more intense. With that in view, the aim of this article was to analyze the frequency of occurrence of extreme air temperature events between 2003 and 2023 in Cuiabá-MT-Brazil, as well as to understand the relationship between these extreme heat wave events and the occurrence and intensity of ENOS events. To this purpose, extreme events were analyzed using daily maximum air temperature data for the period from January 1, 2003 to October 31, 2023 obtained from the automated station of the National Meteorological Institute (INMET) located in Cuiabá - MT (CÓDA907), and ONI (Oceanic Niño Index) data.  The results showed a significant increase of 86% in the occurrence of extreme events in 2020, compared to 2007, the year with the lowest number of occurrences. Therefore, it is extremely important that issues such as climate emergency, climate change and climate resilience are discussed as a means of public policy, preventing these increases from becoming even worse in frequency and/or intensity.

Optimal Time for Haymaking and Potential Production of Grass Hay on Soybean Overseeding in Brazilian Savanna

The objective of this research was to determine the potential for hay production of Quenia guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Quenia), Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis), and Xaraes palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraes) following soybean cultivation (Glycine max) in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experimental field was divided into 12 plots, with 4 replicates of each grass species. Chemical composition, forage mass (FM), and the potential for milk and carcass production were determined for the three grasses. Principal component analysis showed that the total digestible nutrients (TDN) had the most significant influence on milk and carcass potential. Quenia guinea grass reached maximum forage accumulation at 134 days after soybean harvest, representing 4191.51 kg ha−1 of FM. Congo grass and Xaraes palisade grass produced 4033.51 kg ha−1 and 4437.22 kg ha−1, respectively, in cuts made at 154 and 138 days. Quenia guinea grass had 20.71% soluble protein in its composition when harvested at 115 days. Regarding milk production potential, Congo grass, on the other hand, showed a linear reduction in milk production as the number of days after soybean harvest increased. As for carcass production potential, Congo grass demonstrated the highest carcass production potential (110.65 kg Mg−1 FM) at 107 cutting days. Xaraes palisade grass had the highest FM production, while Quenia guinea grass stood out in soluble protein. Conversely, Congo grass showed greater potential for hay production when overseeding in soybeans, as it excelled in carcass production potential. Therefore, for this grass, the ideal point for haymaking should occur within up to 107 days after sowing.