Effect of intercropping and nitrogen fertilization on production characteristics of Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande and Xaraés grass

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation systems and nitrogen fertilization on the dry mass yield and botanical composition of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande in the four seasons of the year. The experiment took place in an area previously established with Xaraés grass, where Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande was introduced. Yield traits were evaluated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement corresponding three cultivation systems (Xaraés monocrop, Stylosanthes monocrop and an intercrop between the two species), with or without nitrogen fertilization (75 kg N/ha), with four replicates. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the yield traits of the evaluated cultivation systems. In the winter, the Xaraés monocrop and the intercrop showed the highest total dry mass yields. The highest yield in the spring was obtained with the intercrop; in the summer, with the Stylosanthes monocrop. In the fall and in the entire year, the cultivation systems did not differ for total dry mass yield. The intercrop between Xaraés grass and Stylosanthes is recommended, as it exhibits satisfactory dry mass yield besides reducing dependence on the use of chemical fertilizers and contributing to the conservation of natural resources.