Effects of nitrogen fertilization and seasons on the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã (Brachiaria brizantha) grass

Authors

  • Lorraine do Nascimento Farias Federal University of Mato Grosso. Dep. of Biotechnology and Biodiversity. Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367. Bairro Boa Esperança. C. P. 78060-900. Cuiabá. Mato Grosso. Brazil.
  • Anderson de Moura Zanine Federal University of Maranhão. Dep. of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4 s/n. C. P. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil.
  • Daniele de Jesus Ferreira Federal University of Maranhão. Dep. of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4 s/n. C. P. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil.
  • Marinaldo Divino Ribeiro Federal University of Goiás. Dep. of Animal Science. Avenida Esperança s/n. Campus Universitário. C. P. 74.690.900. Goiânia, Goiás. Brazil.
  • Alexandre Lima de Souza Federal University of Mato Grosso. Dep. of Animal Science. Brazil.
  • Luiz Juliano Valério Geron State University of Mato Grosso. Dep. of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 174. km 277. C. P. 78250-960. Pontes e Lacerda. Mato Grosso. Brazil.
  • Ricardo Martins Araujo Pinho Federal University of Maranhão. Dep. of Animal Science. Rodovia BR 222. km 4 s/n. C. P. 65500-000. Chapadinha. Maranhão. Brazil.
  • Edson Mauro Santos Federal University of Paraíba. Dep. of Animal Science. Rod. Pb-079. C. P. 58397-000. Areia. Paraiba. Brazil

Keywords:

Brachiaria brizantha, grazing management, leaf appearance rate, leaf elongation rate, leaf lifespan, leaf senescence rate

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn.

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Published

09-12-2019

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 2 (2019): July-December

Section

Ecophysiology and crop management

License

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