Evaluation of natural regrowth of Axonopus aureus in a native pasture of Roraima´s Savannas

Abstract

The natural regrowth of Axonopus aureus in native pasture of Roraima´s savannas was evaluated, during early rainy period. The parameters measured were dry matter (DM) yields and grass morphogenetic and structural characteristics. The experimental design was a completely randomized, with four replications. The treatments consisted of four cutting plants age (21, 35, 49 and 63 days after beginning of the rainy period). Evaluations were carried out during the period of June to August of 2009. The green and total DM, number of tillers/plant, number of axillary tillers/plant, number of live tillers/plant, number of live leaves/tiller and leaf area were directly proportional to plant age. The leaf appearance and elongation rate were negatively affected by plant age, while the dead DM was not affected by plant age. Considering the low green DM availability of A. aureus, its recommends the utilization of some management practice, preferentially grazing or mowing, to remove the dead DM with low nutrition value and permit a grass vigorous regrowth in the beginning of the rainy period.