Morphogenesis, structure, and dynamics of paiaguas palisadegrass tillering after intercroping with sorghum for the recovery of pasture in different forage systems

Abstract

The use of pasture is the most economical alternative for feeding ruminants. However, most pastures in Central Brazil are experiencing some degree of degradation. Crop-livestock integration has been shown to be a sustainable and viable alternative for the recovery of these degraded areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenic and structural characteristics of Paiaguas palisadegrass and to determine the population dynamics and the survival rate of the tillers, through a stability diagram of the grass, after intercropping with sorghum for the recovery of pastures in different, integrated, crop-livestock forage systems. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with four replications. The treatments were composed of four forage systems: Paiaguas palisadegrass monoculture, sorghum intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the row, sorghum intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the interrow, and sorghum intercropped with oversown Paiaguas palisadegrass. The evaluations were performed in the four climatic seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer, and fall) in the same plots during the period of one year in 16 1042 m2 enclosures under a continuous stocking system. No effect was observed for the forage systems and seasons of the year on the leaf elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, and leaf life span. The development of Paiaguas palisadegrass was reduced in the winter relative to the other seasons of the year. However, it presented satisfactory production during this period despite the low rainfall. The results showed that the Paiaguas palisadegrass showed satisfactory production in all forage systems and may be indicated for intercropping with sorghum to promote the recovery and formation of pastures. The use of crop-livestock integration systems is an efficient cultivation technique for the recovery and formation of low-cost pastures to meet the demands of animal production.