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Abstract

Objetive: Evaluate two heights (50 and 70 cm) and pruning frequencies (60 and 135 d) in Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala in a developing silvopastoral system.

Desing/methodology/approach: Four treatments were established, T1: Moringa oleifera with pruning at 50 cm, T2: Moringa oleifera with pruning at 70 cm, T3: Leucaena leucocephala with pruning at 50 cm and T4: Leucaena leucocephala with pruning at 70 cm and pruning frequencies at the 60 and 135 d. The number of sprouts, diameter and length of the largest sprout, and biomass were recorded. The data were analyzed using a mixed model, analysis of variance and Tukey's tests.

Results: The number of regrowths in L. leucocephala was higher than M. oleifera. The T2 had the highest behavior at 60 d, for L. leucocephala it was similar between pruning and frequencies. The diameter and length were greater for T2 at both frequencies, at 60 d for T3 and at 135 d for T4. Biomass was higher in M. oleífera than L. leucocephala, pruning at 70 cm was better than at 50 cm. Pruning at 135 days obtained higher biomass than at 60 days. T2 obtained higher biomass at 60 d, T1 and T4 at 135 d.

Study limitations/implications: Forage species, frequencies and pruning heights determine the growth potential and amount of biomass available to the animals.

Findings/conclusions:Leucaena leucocephala has better agronomic performance in response to pruning without influencing the height and frequency of pruning in a silvopastoral system.