Marandu palisadegrass growth under nitrogen and sulphur for replacing signal grass in degraded tropical pasture

Abstract

The degradation of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. (Signal grass) pastures has resulted in a big problem for the Brazilian cattlemen. The objective of this study was to assess fertilization with nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) rates on yield of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Marandu (Marandu palisadegrass) under establishment in a soil supporting degrading pasture of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. Additionally, the N and S concentrations in plant tissue and soil according to the rates of these nutrients were evaluated. The study was carried out in a greenhouse in pots filled with an Entisol with high organic matter content. Five rates of N (0; 100; 200; 300 and 400 mg dm-3) and five rates of S (0; 10; 20; 30 and 40 mg dm-3) were tested in a 5² fractionated factorial. Plants were harvest three times. The interaction N rates × S rates was significant for the variables leaf area, tiller number, shoot dry matter, N concentration and N:S ratio in plants, and total N and sulphur-sulphate in the soil in at least one of the three growth periods of Marandu palisadegrass in establishment. The supply of both S and N to reach the N:S ratio about 10:1 in the fertilization promoted high yield, adequate N and S concentrations for plant metabolism and forage production, as well as kept and/or raised the soil fertility in relation to these nutrients.