Forage accumulation, tillering and bromatological characteristics of Brachiaria grass under nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different nitrogen doses on the forage accumulation, tillering and chemical characteristics of Braquiaria grass (Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) Webster cv. Basilisk). A randomized block design with four replications was used, and each plot (50 m²) was an experi­mental unit. The treatments consisted of four doses of N (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha-1 year-1 of N) and the con­trol treatment. There was an increase in whole-plant crude protein (CP) and in leaf crude protein (LCP) and a decrease in whole-plant neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and leaf neutral detergent fiber (LNDF). Total dry matter accumulation (TDMA) and dry matter accumulation rate (DMAR) increased linearly in response to the N doses applied. Nitrogen fertilization promotes benefits such as increased biomass accumulation and improved forage chemical composition and tillering in Brachiaria grass.