Forage yield of Urochloa grass cv Camello I and II at different cutting frequencies and intensities

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the forage production performance of hybrid grasses of the genus Urochloa at different mowing intervals and intensity.

Design/methodology/approach: Camello I (GPB025) and Camello II (GPB07) hybrids were evaluated at different intervals (5 and 7 weeks) and cutting intensities (10 and 20 cm). The study was carried out under temporary conditions, from 2020 to 2021, in a randomized complete block experimental. The variables evaluated were: yield of total dry matter (DMT) and by morphological component, leaf (DMl), stem (DMs) and inflorescence (DMi) and senescent matter (DMsm), plant height, basal cover, specific leaf area and leaf area index (LAI).

Results: on average, when harvesting the forage at an interval of 7 weeks and intensity of 20 cm, higher DMT, DMl and DMs (66, 46 and 85 %, respectively) were obtained, than that obtained when harvesting at an interval of 5 weeks and intensities 20 cm.

Limitations of study/implications: Agronomic management in pastures is a factor that affects forage yield and meadow persistence. Making cuts at different intervals and intensities in grasses allows generating adequate management strategies to increase yields and the persistence of the meadow.

Findings/conclusions: The highest yield of total dry matter in both cultivars, by morphological component, plant height and leaf area index, was obtained when harvesting at an interval of 7 weeks and at a height of 20 cm of residual forage