Response of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu to defoliation regimes in Porto Velho, Rondônia

Abstract

Objective was to determine the frequency and intensity of defoliation more appropriate for management pasture ofBrachiaria Brizantha in ecological conditions of Porto Velho, Rondônia. The experimental design was randomized blocks with split plots and three replications. The defoliation frequencies (21, 28, 35 and 42 days) represented the main plots and defoliation intensity (20 and 40 cm) the subplots. The highest forage yield were observed when the grass was cut every 35 and 42 days. The defoliation frequency ​​every 21 days, regardless of defoliation intensity, provided higher crude protein (CP), however the highest CP yields were obtained with defoliations every 28, 35 or 42 days and 40 cm above the ground. The highest concentrations of phosphorus, calcium and potassium, irrespective of the defoliation intensity, were recorded with frequency defoliation every 21 days. Aiming to combine the production and quality of forage, the results indicate that better management of B. brizantha cv. Marandu consists of defoliation frequency every 42 days, regardless of defoliation intensity, or cutting at 35 days and 40 cm above the ground.