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Crop-livestock integration is an efficient technique that enables cropping and animal production in the same area, takes advantage of all the benefits that this synergism provides, and results in g...

Among integrated crop–livestock systems, forage succession is an advantageous strategy for the use of pasture to feed cattle in periods of low rainfall, as well as for the generation of biomass for the no-till system for the next crop. Different species have different abilities to accumulate nutrients in their biomass, which are then released into the soil through the decomposition of crop residues. This study aimed to evaluate soybean yield in an integrated crop–livestock system in comparison to soybean–maize succession system through the production, decomposition and nutrient accumulation in the biomass. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments were three cropping systems: integrated crop–livestock with Paiaguas palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas), integrated crop–livestock with Tamani guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani) and maize grown in succession to soybean. The results showed that the use of the integrated crop–livestock system in the form of forage succession provided greater soil cover and nutrient cycling as a result of the better utilization of the animal's excreta, than the cropping of maize in succession and resulted in higher soybean productivity, thus contributing to agricultural sustainability. Paiaguas palisadegrass and Tamani guinea grass showed a C:N ratio greater than 30:1, indicating slow decomposition of plant residues. The forages accumulated amounts of nutrients in their biomass that met the soybean demand, resulting in higher grain yield.

Owing to its contribution to the maintenance of carbon stocks, soil nitrogen and nutrient cycling for subsequent crops, the integrated systems become increasingly important for agricultural conservation. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production of and total nutrient in Brachiaria spp. and Panicum maximum forage grasses used as mulch and soybean yields in an integrated crop–livestock system and second-crop maize succession system. The treatments consisted of the following cropping systems: Xaraes palisadegrass intercropped with soybean, Congo grass intercropped with soybean, Mombaça guinea grass intercropped with soybean, Tamani guinea grass intercropped with soybean and a soybean/maize succession system. The forage grasses were established during the soybean R6–R7 stage. Compared with Congo grass, Xaraes palisadegrass, Mombaça guinea grass and Tamani guinea grass produced more biomass and equivalent amounts of fertilizer returned to the soil and resulted in greater nutrient cycling, indicating the benefits of these grasses for use as mulch in integrated production systems. Maize had a greater C/N ratio, but the forage grasses also exhibited high potential by protecting the soil until the end of the soybean development cycle. The use of an integrated crop–livestock system combined with a forage cropping system provided greater soil nutrient cycling than the maize cropping system did, which resulted in increased soybean yields, thus contributing to the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Nitrogen in the soil-plant system is extremely complex, and any change in soil management or cultivated species can modify its dynamics. To minimize environmental problems and sustainably optimize ...

Currently, mixed systems for growing annual crops with forage plants of the Brachiaria genus represent an excellent alternative for the cultivation of maize by using the area for agricultural and livestock farming, which provides higher income to the grower and sustainability to the agricultural systems of the Cerrado. However, little is known about the best means for sowing such intercropped plants. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of maize (Zea mays) as well as the productive and nutritional characteristics of Paiaguas palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas) as the second crop in integrated production systems. The experimental design used randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments consisted of the following forage systems: monocropped of maize, monocropped of Paiaguas palisadegrass, maize intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in rows, maize intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass between rows, and maize with oversown Paiaguas palisadegrass. The results showed that intercropping of maize with Paiaguas palisadegrass does not interfere with the agronomic characteristics or grain yield of maize, regardless of the system that was adopted. Regarding the production of forage, low production of dry matter was found for Paiaguas palisadegrass oversown in maize, though the nutritional value was better. Intercropping maze and Paiaguas palisadegrass is relevant to integrated production systems, as it allows for of a third harvest in the same crop year, which maintains sustainability especially because a smaller arable area is used compared to conventional systems.

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. O uso de pastagens é a alternativa mais econômica para a alimentação de ruminantes. No entanto, a maioria das áreas de pastagens no Brasil Central, encontra-se em algum grau de degradação. Com isso, a integração lavoura-pecuária tem se mostrado como alternativa sustentável e viável para a recuperação dessas áreas. Sendo assim, objetivou-se avaliar as características morfogênicas e estruturais, determinar a dinâmica populacional e taxa de sobrevivência dos perfilhos através do diagrama de estabilidade do capim-paiaguás, após o consórcio com o sorgo, na recuperação de pastagens, em diferentes sistemas forrageiros na integração lavoura-pecuária. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro sistemas forrageiros: capim-paiaguás em monocultivo; sorgo consorciado com o capim-paiaguás na linha; sorgo consorciado com o capim-paiaguás na entrelinha e sorgo consorciado com o capim-paiaguás na sobressemeadura. As avaliações foram realizadas nas quatro estações climáticas do ano (inverno, primavera, verão e outono) nas mesmas parcelas, durante o período de um ano, em 16 piquetes de 1042 m2 sob sistema de lotação contínua. Não foi observado efeito dos sistemas forrageiros e estações do ano sobre a taxa de alongamento foliar, taxa de senescência foliar e duração de vida das folhas. No período de inverno, houve redução do desenvolvimento do capim-paiaguás em relação as outras estações do ano. No entanto, apresentou desempenho satisfatório de produção, mesmo com baixa precipitação. Os resultados demostraram que o capim-paiaguás apresenta produção satisfatória em qualquer sistema forrageiro, podendo ser indicado para o consórcio com sorgo, para a recuperação e formação de pastagens. O sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária tem-se mostrado como técnica de cultivo eficaz para recuperação e formação de pastagens de baixo custo, para atender a demanda da produção animal.

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry mass production, fermentative parameters and chemical and bromatological composition of sunflower silage and Paiaguas palisadegrass silage in monocropped and intercropping in different forage systems. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of silage forage systems: sunflower monocropped; Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped; sunflower row-intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; sunflower inter-row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; and sunflower oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass, totalizing 20 experimental silos. Sunflower and Paiaguas palisadegrass were harvested at 110 days after planting at 20 cm from the soil for silage, using brush cutter. The silos were opened after 53 days of fermentation. The rows and inter-row intercropped systems contributed to increase the mass production of the ensiled material. The monocropped sunflower silage had higher values of pH, ethereal extract and acid detergent fiber and lower values of titratable acidity and dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility values. The silages of the sunflower intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in forage systems of crop-livestock integration presented better fermentative and bromatological characteristics, guaranteeing an adequate fermentative process and nutritional quality. In this way, the intercropping of these two forages potentiates the production of silage for feeding of ruminants during the period of forage shortage. The objective of this study was to evaluate dry mass production, fermentative parameters and chemical and bromatological composition of sunflower silage and Paiaguas palisadegrass silage in monocropped and intercropping in different forage systems. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of silage forage systems: sunflower monocropped; Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped; sunflower row-intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; sunflower inter-row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; and sunflower oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass, totalizing 20 experimental silos. Sunflower and Paiaguas palisadegrass were harvested at 110 days after planting at 20 cm from the soil for silage, using brush cutter. The silos were opened after 53 days of fermentation. The rows and inter-row intercropped systems contributed to increase the mass production of the ensiled material. The monocropped sunflower silage had higher values of pH, ethereal extract and acid detergent fiber and lower values of titratable acidity and dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility values. The silages of the sunflower intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in forage systems of crop-livestock integration presented better fermentative and bromatological characteristics, guaranteeing an adequate fermentative process and nutritional quality. In this way, the intercropping of these two forages potentiates the production of silage for feeding of ruminants during the period of forage shortage.

The grain sorghum intercropped with Brachiaria provides the production of grains and dry mass in the off-season; however, there is a lack of information related to the implantation of these species. The objective of this study was to identify the best association of sorghum and Brachiaria in the production of grain and dry matter in the Brazilian Cerrado region. The experiment was conducted in Rio Verde, State of Goiás, in the experimental design of randomized blocks, in a 2×3×4+5 factorial scheme, with four replications. Two sorghum hybrids (BRS 330 and DKB 551) associated to three Brachiaria species (Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu, Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria ruziziensis) were evaluated in four systems of Brachiaria implantation (row, interrow, row + interrow of sorghum and spread). Additional treatments referred to the two sorghum monocrops and the three Brachiaria species. The sorghum and Brachiaria consortium resulted in a reduction in grain yield, but the Brachiaria implantation systems in the row, interrow and spread were the most promising. The sorghum hybrid DKB 551 was the most sensitive to the competition with Brachiaria, although there were no grain yield differences in the intercropping. The Brachiaria intercropped in the interrow and in the row + interrow, mainly with B. ruziziensis, were the most promising for the production of dry mass and total crude protein. The cultivation of Brachiaria intercropped with sorghum provided a greater contribution of dry mass in the off-season, an important fact for the no-tillage system in the agricultural production systems of the Brazilian Cerrado. RESUMO O consórcio de sorgo granífero com braquiária proporciona a produção de grãos e massa seca na entressafra; contudo, há carência de informações relacionadas à implantação dessas espécies. Sendo assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar a melhor associação de sorgo granífero e braquiária na segunda safra para produção de grãos e massa seca na região do Cerrado. O experimento foi conduzido em Rio Verde, Goiás, no delineamento experimental de blocos randomizados, em esquema fatorial 2×3×4+5, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados dois híbridos de sorgo granífero (BRS 330 e DKB 551) associados a três espécies de Brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandu, Brachiaria decumbens e Brachiaria ruziziensis) em quatro sistemas de implantação da braquiária (linha, entrelinha, linha + entrelinha do sorgo e a lanço). Os tratamentos adicionais referiam-se aos dois monocultivos de sorgo e às três espécies de braquiária. O consórcio de sorgo com braquiária ocasionou redução no rendimento de grãos, porém os sistemas de implantação da braquiária na linha, entrelinha e a lanço foram os mais promissores. O híbrido de sorgo DKB 551 foi o mais sensível à competição com a braquiária, sem, contudo, haver diferenças de rendimento de grãos em consórcio. Os consórcios das braquiárias na entrelinha e na linha + entrelinha, principalmente com a B. ruziziensis, foram os mais promissores para produção de massa seca e proteína bruta total. O cultivo de braquiária com o sorgo proporcionou maior aporte de massa seca na entressafra, fato importante para o sistema de plantio direto nos sistemas de produção agrícola dos Cerrados.

The intercrop of grain sorghum with Urochloa ruziziensis allows the production of grains and biomass in the winter. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the more adequate seeding system and seed density for Urochloa ruziziensis intercropped with sorghum between soybean crops to obtain high grain and biomass yields with these species and evaluate the performance of the subsequent soybean crop. The experiments were carried out in the winter of 2015 and in the 2015-2016 crop season in Rio Verde GO, and Santa Helena de Goiás GO, Brazil. The treatments consisted of three seeding systems (in-row, inter-row, and broadcast), and five seed densities (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 viable seeds m-2) of U. ruziziensis intercropped with sorghum, using monocultures of sorghum and U. ruziziensis as controls. The seeding density of 8 viable seeds m-2 of U. ruziziensis using in-row seeding, and up to 10 viable seeds m-2 using inter-row, and broadcast seedings do not decrease sorghum grain yield. Increasing seeding density of U. ruziziensis increases its dry matter yield, and the total dry matter yield when intercropped with sorghum. The intercrop of sorghum with U. ruziziensis increases the soil plant coverage. The dry matter of the intercrop of sorghum with U. ruziziensis does not affect soybean grain yield.

With the arrival of new early genotypes and high nutritive value and productive potential, millet has been gaining prominence in recent years for the production of silage, and it promises lower costs of production. Thus, the consortium of millet with tropical forages can increase the production of silage, providing more food to be used in the offseason, where there is low availability of forage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry mass production, fermentative characteristics and chemical-bromatological of pearl millet silage and Paiaguas palisadegrass in monocropping and intercropping in different forage systems in the second cropping season. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four replicates. The treatments consisted of silage of the following forage systems: monocropped pearl millet, monocropped Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped in rows with Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped inter-row with Paiaguas palisadegrass, and pearl millet oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass (totaling 20 experimental plots). The consortium of pearl millet with Paiaguas palisadegrass contributed to raise the dry matter contents of the silages, except in the system using the overgrowth. Pearl millet silages monocropped and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass presented reductions in pH and ammoniacal nitrogen values as well as favor lactic fermentation. Pearl millet monocropped and intercropped silage exhibited better fermentative and bromatological characteristics than silage obtained from monocropped Paiaguas palisadegrass. Therefore, creating silage from intercropped forages provides an interesting supplemental roughage option that can be used during the offseason for animal feeding. Com a chegada de novos genótipos precoces e de alto valor nutritivo e potencial produtivo, o milheto vem ganhando destaque nos últimos anos para a produção de silagens, com menor custo de produção. Com isso, o consórcio do milheto com forrageiras tropicais, pode aumentar a produção da silagem, proporcionando maior quantidade de alimento para ser utilizado na entressafra, onde se tem baixa disponibilidade de forragem. Sendo assim, objetivou-se avaliar a produção de massa seca, características fermentativas e a composição químico-bromatológica da silagem de milheto e capim-paiaguás em monocultivo e consorciado em diferentes sistemas forrageiros, na safrinha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da silagem dos seguintes sistemas forrageiros: milheto em monocultivo, capim-paiaguás em monocultivo, milheto consorciado com capim-paiaguás na linha, milheto consorciado com capim-paiaguás na entrelinha e milheto consorciado com capimpaiaguás na sobressemeadura, totalizando 20 silos experimentais. O consórcio do milheto com capim-paiaguás contribuiu para elevar os teores de matéria seca das silagens, exceto, no sistema utilizando a sobressemeadura. As silagens de milheto em monocultivo e consorciadas com capim-paiaguás apresentaram reduções nos valores de pH e nitrogênio amoniacal, bem como, favorecem a fermentação lática. As silagens de milheto em monocultivo e consorciadas apresentaram melhores características fermentativas e bromatológicas quando comparadas com silagem de capim-paiaguás em monocultivo. Portanto, silagens produzidas nos sistemas consorciados constitui interessante opção de volumosos suplementar para alimentação dos animais no período de entressafra.&nbsp

Intercropping of annual crops with tropical forages is an effective cultivation method to maximize grain production and pasture formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of sunflower and the productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown with intercropping during two different sowing seasons in the interim harvest of the Center-West region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goiás (GO), using a randomized block design with a 3x2+4 factorial scheme and three replicates per treatment. The following factors were tested: three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Piata palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass) grown with intercropping in the inter-row with the sunflower cultivar Charrua in two different sowing seasons (February and March); four additional treatments of sunflower; and the three tested Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown in monoculture. Intercropping of sunflower with the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar negatively affected the agronomic characteristics of sunflower, and intercropping with Marandu palisadegrass and Piata palisadegrass cultivars is recommended. Preference should be given to the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar for forage production and to the Piata palisadegrass cultivar for the production of forage with higher nutritional value. Sowing in March led to the best sunflower agronomic characteristics, without affecting the productive and nutritional characteristics of the forages. Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars is therefore a promising cultivation method for the production of achenes and forage during the inter-harvest in the Center-West region of Brazil.

Paiaguas palisadegrass was released in order to meet the requirements of the different production systems. However, little is known about the quality of the forage. The goal of this study was to evaluate the protein and carbohydrate fractionation of the Paiaguas palisadegrass after intercropping with grain sorghum in the pasture recovery, through the integration of crop and livestock production. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Rio Verde, State of Goias. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were composed of the following forage systems: Paiaguas palisadegrass in monocropped, 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 carried out in the four climatic seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer, and fall) in the same plots, over a period of one year, in 16 paddocks under continuous stocking system. The results showed that forage systems did not influence protein and carbohydrate fractionation. The winter season presented higher values of protein and carbohydrate fractionation, negatively affecting the animal performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter production, fermentative parameters, and nutritional value of the silage of corn intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in different forage systems and maturity stages, in the off-season. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, with four replications, in a 5×3 factorial arrangement consisting of five forage systems: corn monocropped; Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped; corn intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the row, inter-row, and oversown; and three corn maturity stages (milky, soft dough, and hard dough with 80, 90, and 110 days after sowing, respectively). The results showed that the silage of corn intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the row and inter-row at the hard dough stage presented greater productivity per area and better fermentative and nutritional characteristics. They can, therefore, be recommended as suitable sowing systems for silage production. Silages produced from intercropping systems proved to be an alternative feed supply technique, allowing the intensification of production systems, maximizing nutrient production per area, in a sustainable manner.

Soil compaction affects physical soil properties, which in turn influence crop growth, development and yield. The present study tested the hypothesis that the yield of sunflower achenes and Paiaguas palisadegrass biomass are influenced by soil physical properties. The effects of compaction were measured by the least limiting water range (LLWR), and its relationship with crop yield were studied. The experiment was conducted in the Rio Verde municipality, south-western Goias State, Brazil, on a Latossolo Vermelho Acriferrico tipico (Typic Haplustox) soil and in accordance with a randomized complete block design, in which the treatments consisted of compaction levels established by zero, two, 10, and 30 passes of an agricultural tractor (with four replicates each). In the subplots, sunflower and Paiaguas palisadegrass were grown as monocropping and intercropping systems. The following indicators of soil physical quality were determined: bulk density (Bd), the LLWR, the Bd/alert bulk density of the LLWR (Bdalert) ratio, and the Bd/critical bulk density of the LLWR (Bdc) ratio. The correlations of these indicators with crop yield were calculated to define critical resistance values specific to each crop. The LLWR adequately described the physical quality of the soil resulting from compaction and was significantly correlated with crop yield. The relationship between sunflower and Paiaguas palisadegrass yield was modelled by a second-order equation featuring Bd and the Bd/Bdalert ratio (R2 = 0.77, ** and 0.74 **, respectively), with the greatest yield recorded when the Bd/Bdalert ratio was 1.0. Sunflower cultivation was extremely sensitive to soil compaction: when sunflower was grown as a monoculture or intercropped with palisadegrass, its yield decreased by 50 % or 80 %, respectively. However, the Paiaguas palisadegrass yield was influenced little by soil compaction. The limiting penetration resistance values for sunflower and Paiaguas palisadegrass were 1.5 MPa and 4.2 MPa, respectively.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:31:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-03-10 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) National Agency Water (ANA) Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) Tropical pastures play a significant role in the global carbon cycle and are crucial for world livestock production. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of field studies that clarify how tropical pasture species will be affected by environmental changes predicted for tropical regions. Using a temperature-free air-controlled enhancement (T-FACE) system, we increased canopy temperature (+2 degrees C over ambient) and evaluated the effects of warming under two soil moisture conditions in a factorial design over the physiology, forage production, and forage quality of a tropical forage legume, Stylosanthes capitata. Under well-watered conditions, warming increased the PSII efficiency, net photosynthesis, and aboveground biomass accumulation, but reduced forage quality and digestibility by decreasing crude protein content and increasing lignin content. Non-irrigated conditions under ambient temperature reduced leaf water status presumably promoting the reduction in net photosynthesis, forage production, and forage quality and digestibility. Under the combination of canopy warming and non-irrigated conditions, warming mitigated the effects of reduced soil moisture on leaf photosynthesis and biomass production, but a significant interaction reduced forage quality and digestibility more than under isolated treatments of warming or non-irrigated conditions. We found a potential physiological acclimation of the tropical forage species to moderate warming when grown under rainfed or well-watered conditions. However, this acclimation was achieved due to a trade-off that reduced forage nutritional value and digestibility that may impact future animal feeding, livestock production, and would contribute to methane emissions. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, FFCLRP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Illinois, Dept Biol Sci, Ecol & Evolut, Chicago, IL 60680 USA Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr & Veterinarian Sci, Dept Soils & Fertilizers, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Fed Inst Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, Rio Verde, Go, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Agr & Veterinarian Sci, Dept Soils & Fertilizers, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2008/58075-8 Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI): 446357/2015-4 FAPESP: 2016/09742-8 FAPESP: 2016/12853-6 CNPq: 155285/2018-1

Agricultural production systems that include the production of mulch for no-tillage farming and structural improvement of the soil can be considered key measures for agricultural activity in the Cerrado region without causing environmental degradation. In this respect, our work aimed to evaluate the chemical and physical-hydric properties of a dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil, under different soil management systems in the between-crop season of soybean cultivation five years after first planting. The following conditions were evaluated: Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu as a cover crop during the between-crop season; Second crop of maize intercropped with Brachiaria ruziziensis; Second crop of grain alone in a no-tillage system; Fallow soil after the soybean harvest; and Forest (natural vegetation) located in an adjacent area. Soil samples up to a depth of 40 cm were taken and used in the assessment of chemical properties and soil structure diagnostics. The results demonstrated that the conversion of native vegetation areas into agricultural fields altered the chemical and physical-hydric properties of the soil at all the depths evaluated, especially up to 10 cm, due to the activity of root systems in the soil structure. Cultivation of B. brizantha as a cover crop during the summer between-crop season increased soil water availability, which is important for agricultural activities in the region under study. Sistemas de produção agrícola que contemplam produção de palhada para o plantio direto e que atuam na melhoria estrutural do solo podem ser considerados medidas-chave para a atividade agrícola na região do Cerrado, sem a contrapartida da degradação ambiental. Nesse sentido, este trabalho objetivou avaliar os atributos químicos e físico-hídricos de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico do município de Rio Verde, Goiás, sob diferentes sistemas de manejo do solo na entressafra da cultura da soja, após cinco anos da sua implantação. Foram avaliados: Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu como planta de cobertura na entressafra; Safrinha de milho consorciada com Brachiaria ruziziensis; Safrinha de grãos solteira em sistema plantio direto; Solo sob pousio, após a colheita da soja; e Mata (Vegetação Natural), situada ao lado. Foram feitas amostragens de solo até 40 cm de profundidade, utilizadas na avaliação dos atributos químicos e no diagnóstico estrutural dele. Os resultados demonstraram que conversão de áreas de vegetação nativa em campos de agricultura alterou os atributos químicos e físico-hídricos do solo em todas as profundidades avaliadas, principalmente até 10 cm, em razão da ação do sistema radicular sob a estrutura do solo. O cultivo de B. brizantha como planta de cobertura no período de entressafra das culturas de verão aumentou a disponibilidade hídrica do solo, assumindo relevância para a atividade agrícola na região em estudo.

There is increasing global concern with environmental food production and sustainability to maintain high carbon stocks in soil biomass. The biomass produced in crop-livestock integration system increases soil organic matter, acts in nutrient cycling, improves the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil and increases grain production. Moreover, this soil management system mitigates greenhouse effect and preserves the environment. However, in the Savannah of Central Brazil region, an efficient mulching production of biomass is one of the factors limit sustainability of direct seeding of soybean, mainly due to accelerated decomposition of crop residues. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate biomass dynamics of pearl millet and Paiaguas palisadegrass in different forage systems and sowing periods on soybean yield. The experiment followed a randomized block design with a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement and three replications, under five forage systems (monocropped pearl millet, monocropped Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped in rows with Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped between rows of Paiaguas palisadegrass and pearl millet oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass) at two sowing periods (February and March). The results showed that Paiaguas palisadegrass in a monocropped system generated the highest biomass production and lowest carbon/nitrogen ratio. The highest carbon/nitrogen ratio and cumulative biomass loss occurred with millet in monocropped and intercropped with oversown Paiaguas palisadegrass in which biomass production was reduced by plant competition. Paiaguas forage systems in palisadegrass monocropped and intercropping on and between rows supported higher yield of soybean. The second sowing periods resulted in higher production of remaining biomass and grain yield, in all forage systems. Intercropping in crop-livestock integration systems showed a promising cultivation technique to maintain a sustainable stock of soil carbon. Key words: Carbon/nitrogen ratio, half-lives, [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas.

Sorghum is an alternative crop to produce grains in the off-season in Brazilian Cerrado and the intercropping with Brachiaria species enable to produce dry matter on the soil surface for a longer time. However, there is limited information on Brachiaria ruziziensis seed density to be applied to intercropping with sorghum without causing decreases in sorghum grain yield. The objective of the study was to evaluate the seeding density of B. ruziziensis in different intercropped systems with grain sorghum grown after soybean harvest, in off-season cultivation, to produce grains and the effects of straw on the agronomic performance of the soybean crop in succession to intercropping. This study was conducted in the field during the 2014 off-season in Rio Verde, Goias. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks in a 3×5 factorial arranged with four replications corresponded to intercropping on rows, inter-rows and broadcast sowing with the densities of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 viable pure seeds m-2 of B. ruziziensis. Monocultures of sorghum and these forage crop were also evaluated. The results demonstrated the absence of effects of intercropping systems and seeding density on the yield of sorghum grains and on the cultivation of soybean in succession. The intercropping was effective in producing straw on soil surface to Cerrado no-tillage system. Key words: Brachiaria species, Glycine max, straw, off-season crop, Sorghum bicolor.

The high efficiency of sunflowers in extracting water from the soil under water stress conditions is a factor that promotes sunflower cultivation in the offseason. Therefore, sunflowers have been intercropped with grasses of the Brachiaria genus in crop-livestock integration systems. However, little is known of sowing methods for intercropping; thus, the present study aimed to assess sunflower agronomic traits and the production and nutritional characteristics of Paiaguas palisadegrass under different forage systems in the offseason in the midwest region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Goiás (Instituto Federal Goiano), Rio Verde Campus in a randomized block experimental design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the following forage systems: sunflower monocropped; Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped; sunflower rows intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; sunflower inter-row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; and sunflower oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass. The results show that the sunflower rows intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass negatively affect the agronomic traits of sunflower; thus, inter-row sowing and oversowing are recommended. Sowing Paiaguas palisadegrass with oversown sunflower for forage production is hampered by intercropping and shows low forage production. In turn, the intercropped sowing method had no effect on the nutritional characteristics of the produced forage. Intercropping sunflowers with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the offseason has the potential to provide a promising cropping method for the production of achenes and after harvest enables the availability of forage with good nutritional value for use in the offseason in the midwest region of Brazil. The high efficiency of sunflowers in extracting water from the soil under water stress conditions is a factor that promotes sunflower cultivation in the offseason. Therefore, sunflowers have been intercropped with grasses of the Brachiaria genus in crop-livestock integration systems. However, little is known of sowing methods for intercropping; thus, the present study aimed to assess sunflower agronomic traits and the production and nutritional characteristics of Paiaguas palisadegrass under different forage systems in the offseason in the midwest region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Goiás (Instituto Federal Goiano), Rio Verde Campus in a randomized block experimental design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the following forage systems: sunflower monocropped; Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped; sunflower rows intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; sunflower inter-row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass; and sunflower oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass. The results show that the sunflower rows intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass negatively affect the agronomic traits of sunflower; thus, inter-row sowing and oversowing are recommended. Sowing Paiaguas palisadegrass with oversown sunflower for forage production is hampered by intercropping and shows low forage production. Conversely, the intercropped sowing method had no effect on the nutritional characteristics of the produced forage. Intercropping sunflowers with Paiaguas palisadegrass in the offseason has the potential to provide a promising cropping method for the production of achenes and postharvest availability of forage with good nutritional value for use in the offseason in the midwest region of Brazil.

Forages of the genus Brachiaria stand out among those used in integrated systems. Little is known about the potential value of new species and cultivars when intercropped with sorghum and planted in the second crop season. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance (agronomic characteristics) of grain sorghum and the production and nutritional characteristics of forage plants of the genus Brachiaria in an integrated agricultural production system in the second season. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the intercropping of sorghum with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria (Ruziziensis grass, Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass), in addition to an extra treatment with sorghum in monoculture. The results showed that sorghum intercropping with Ruziziensis grass, Paiaguas palisadegrass, Piata, and Ipypora grass did not cause a reduction in grain yield. The Xaraes, Piata, and Paiaguas palisadegrass showed higher forage production. However, the Paiaguas, Piata palisadegrass, and Ipypora grass showed better nutritional value. The sorghum intercropping with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria were promising alternatives for grain and forage production in the off-season. The right forage grass combined with sorghum in an integrated system can intensify agricultural production, optimizing the use of the area and increasing sustainability.

As part of the search for sustainability in production systems, systems of annual crops intercropped with tropical forage plants have recently been used for silage production. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to evaluate the dry matter yield, fermentative parameters and nutritional value of the silage of sorghum intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass in different forage systems and maturity stages in a crop-livestock integration system. The experiment was conducted at the Goiano Federal Institute (Instituto Federal Goiano), Rio Verde Campus, Goiás, Brazil, in a completely randomised design with four replications in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement with five forage systems (monocropped sorghum, monocropped Paiaguas palisadegrass, sorghum row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass, sorghum inter-row intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass and sorghum oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass) and three maturity stages of the sorghum (milky, soft dough and hard dough). The results show that for all sowing methods, the silages of the intercropping systems harvested in the hard-dough stage provide a higher yield per area than did the monocropped sorghum and Paiaguas palisadegrass. The intercropping of sorghum with Paiaguas palisadegrass in crop-livestock integration systems could become an important option for the production of silage because intercropping minimises the inconveniences resulting from the fermentation process of the silage of monocropped grasses and improves the quality of the silage. These findings show this intercropping method to be advantageous strategy for the production of supplemental roughage in addition to contributing to the formation of pasture after the crops have been harvested for ensiling.

SUMMARY Sunflower as silage is an alternative to be used in the off-season, when water shortage makes traditional crops unfeasible. However, exclusive sunflower silages have levels above 70 g/kg DM ether extract, which may impair ruminal fermentation. Thus, ensiling sunflower with tropical forages can bring benefits to the quality of the silage. This study evaluated the fermentation profile and nutritional value of sunflower silage with cultivars of Urochloa brizantha in the off-season. This was a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. The treatments were composed of the sunflower silage with and without addition of cultivars of Urochloa brizantha in the ensiling process: sunflower silage; sunflower silage + 30% Marandu palisadegrass; sunflower silage + 30% Xaraes palisadegrass; sunflower silage + 30% Piata palisadegrass and sunflower silage + 30% Paiaguas palisadegrass, totaling 20 experimental silos. The addition of the cultivars of Urochloa brizantha to sunflower silage contributed to improve the fermentation profile and nutritional value of the silages. Silages with 30% Piata and Paiaguas palisadegrass showed higher levels of CP and lower levels of ADF and lignin, and these cultivars are the most recommended for ensiling with sunflower. RESUMO O girassol sob forma de silagem é uma alternativa para ser utilizado no período de safrinha, em que a deficiência hídrica torna as culturas tradicionais inviáveis. No entanto, a silagens exclusiva de girassol apresentam níveis acima de 70 g/kg MS de extrato etéreo, o que pode comprometer a fermentação ruminal. Sendo assim, a ensilagem do girassol com forrageiras tropicais pode trazer benefícios para a qualidade da silagem. Sendo assim, objetivouse avaliar o perfil fermentativo e o valor nutritivo da silagem de girassol com cultivares de Urochloa brizantha na safrinha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da silagem de girassol com e sem adição de cultivares de Urochloa brizantha na ensilagem: silagem de girassol; silagem de girassol + 30% do capim-marandu; silagem de girassol + 30% do capim-xaraés; silagem de girassol + 30% do capim-piatã e silagem de girassol + 30% do capim-paiaguás, totalizando 20 silos experimentais. Os resultados demonstraram que as silagens com adição dos cultivares de Urochloa brizantha, contribuíram para melhorar o perfil fermentativo e valor nutricional das silagens. Silagens com 30% dos capins piatã e paiaguás apresentaram maiores teores de PB e menores teores de FDA e lignina, sendo mais recomendadas para ensilagem com girassol.

In the south-central region of Brazil, there is a trend toward reducing the sugarcane inter-harvest period and increasing traffic of heavy harvesting machinery on soil with high water content, which may intensify the compaction process. In this study, we assessed the structural changes of a distroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol) by monitoring soil water content as a function of the Least Limiting Water Range (LLWR) and quantified its effects on the crop yield and industrial quality of the first ratoon crop of sugarcane cultivars with different maturation cycles. Three cultivars (RB 83-5054, RB 84-5210 and RB 86-7515) were subjected to four levels of soil compaction brought about by a differing number of passes of a farm tractor (T0 = soil not trafficked, T2 = 2 passes, T10 = 10 passes, and T20 = 20 passes of the tractor in the same place) in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications. The deleterious effects on the soil structure from the farm machinery traffic were limited to the surface layer (0-10 cm) of the inter-row area of the ratoon crop. The LLWR dropped to nearly zero after 20 tractor passes between the cane rows. We detected differences among the cultivars studied; cultivar RB 86-7515 stood out for its industrial processing quality, regardless of the level of soil compaction. Monitoring of soil moisture in the crop showed exposure to water stress conditions, although soil compaction did not affect the production variables of the sugarcane cultivars. We thus conclude that the absence of traffic on the plant row maintained suitable soil conditions for plant development and may have offset the harmful effects of soil compaction shown by the high values for bulk density between the rows of the sugarcane cultivars. Na região centro-sul do Brasil, há a tendência de redução do período de entressafra canavieira, condicionando tráfego de máquinas para colheita em condições de elevados conteúdos de água do solo, o que pode contribuir para a intensificação do processo de compactação. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar as alterações estruturais de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico por meio do monitoramento do conteúdo de água do solo em razão do Intervalo Hídrico Ótimo (IHO) e quantificar seus efeitos sobre o rendimento agrícola e o industrial da primeira soqueira de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar, com diferentes ciclos de maturação. Foram avaliados três cultivares de cana-de-açúcar (RB 83-5054; RB 84-5210; e RB 86-7515) submetidos a quatro níveis de compactação do solo, atingidos pelo número de passadas de um trator agrícola, correspondendo a T0 = solo não trafegado; T2 = 2; T10 = 10; e T20 = 20 passadas do trator no mesmo lugar, em esquema fatorial 3 × 4, com três repetições. Os efeitos deletérios causados na estrutura do solo pelo tráfego de maquinário agrícola ficaram limitados à entrelinha de cultivo das soqueiras, na camada superficial do solo. O IHO foi reduzido a valores próximos de zero com 20 passadas do trator, nas entrelinhas de cultivo da cana-de-açúcar. Foi detectada diferença entre os cultivares estudados, com destaque para o RB 86-7515, quanto à qualidade tecnológica da matéria-prima, independentemente dos níveis de compactação do solo a que estiveram sujeitos. O monitoramento da umidade do solo indicou exposição da cultura a condições hídricas estressantes, embora a compactação do solo não tenha influenciado as variáveis produtivas dos cultivares de cana. Concluiu-se então que a inexistência de tráfego sobre as linhas de cultivo, mantendo o solo desses locais em condições adequadas ao desenvolvimento das plantas pode ter compensado os efeitos prejudiciais da sua compactação, evidenciada pelos elevados valores de sua densidade, presentes nas entrelinhas de cultivo dos cultivares de cana-de-açúcar.

This study evaluated the dry matter production and chemical composition of Brachiaria forage grasses in the offseason after corn harvest in integrated crop-livestock system. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Goias, Rio Verde Campus, using a randomized complete block experimental design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of the forages: Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraes; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata; Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG-4; Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria ruziziensis, intercropped in oversown corn for implantation of integrated crop-livestock system. The results showed that intercropping corn with Brachiaria grasses favors the production of high-quality forage in the offseason, and the cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria decumbens showed higher dry matter production. And cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha (Marandu palisadegrass, Xaraes palisadegrass and Piata palisadegrass) are the most suitable for presenting food of better quality, compared with Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG-4, Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria ruziziensis.

This study evaluated the nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars subjected to three cutting intensities in the course of one year. The experiment was conducted at the University of Rio Verde. The experiment was performed as a randomized 3 × 3 factorial in complete block design with three replications and repeated measures in the time. Three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Xaraes palisadegrass, and Piata palisadegrass), were tested at three cutting intensities (10, 20, and 30 cm sward height). The evaluations were conducted on the same plots throughout one year and during all four seasons (autumn, winter, spring, and summer). The results showed that the Piata palisadegrass had the best chemical composition compared to the Marandu palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass. The management of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at the lowest residual height (10 cm) affected the nutritional value of these feed grasses. Seasonality also influenced the nutritional value of these forages.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the fermentative and bromatological characteristics of Piata palisadegrass that was ensiled with energetic brans and to assess the costs of different additive levels. This experiment was conducted at the Goiano Federal Institute on the Rio Verde campus in Goias State, Brazil. The experimental design was entirely random with four replications in a 4 × 5 factorial scheme that included four energetic brans (millet, maize, sorghum and wheat) and five levels (0%, 8%, 16%, 24% and 32%). The energetic brans can be considered as a good source of additives for Piata palisadegrass ensiling, which improves the qualitative and nutritional fermentative characteristics of the silage. The maize and wheat brans were the most efficient for improving the fermentative characteristics of the silage. However, millet bran was the most efficient for improving the bromatological characteristics. In addition, the wheat bran had the greatest influence on the final production cost and the sorghum and millet brans were the most economically feasible. Overall, the addition of 24% bran is recommended due to its beneficial impact on silage quality and the average final production cost of the silage.

Pastures are the most practical and cost-effective way to feed cattle and are the basis of livestock production in Central Brazil. Grass–legume intercropping is essential for increasing production in sustainable animal-feeding systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha (A.Rich.) Stapf (palisade grass) cultivars intercropped with Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande (multiline 80% S. capitata and 20% S. macrocephala) in different forage systems, in different seasons of the year, over a 2-year period. A randomised block experimental design was used, with three replicates. The treatments consisted of the following seven forage systems: Piata palisade grass, Paiaguas palisade grass, Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande, row intercropping of Piata palisade grass and Stylosanthes, mixed intercropping of Piata palisade grass and Stylosanthes, row intercropping of Paiaguas palisade grass and Stylosanthes, and mixed intercropping of Paiaguas palisade grass and Stylosanthes. Evaluations were performed in each season of the year (winter, spring, summer, autumn) on the same plots over the 2-year period. Piata and Paiaguas palisade grass behaved similarly in all forage systems, indicating that both can be intercropped with Stylosanthes. Grass–legume intercropping had a positive effect on the productive and nutritional characteristics of the forage plants, increasing dry matter production, crude protein concentrations and in vitro dry matter digestibility, and decreasing the fibre fractions. Row intercropping was more efficient at maintaining high proportions of legume plants in the system, resulting in greater forage production and quality.

A reconstituição da fertilidade do solo é um dos caminhos para se recuperar a capacidade produtiva da pastagem em degradação. A adubação nitrogenada é fundamental para o aumento da produção de forragem, principalmente, quando se trata da recuperação de pastagens. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características estruturais e o acúmulo de massa seca (MS) de lâminas foliares e colmos mais bainhas do capim-marandu de pastagem em estágio moderado de degradação, sob doses e fontes de nitrogênio (N), por três anos. O experimento foi conduzido de julho de 2003 a março de 2006, na Fazenda Modelo da Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG), em uma área de 882 m², com parcelas de 20 m² e área útil de 6 m². O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os tratamentos nas parcelas foram caracterizados pelo fatorial 2 x 4, sendo duas fontes de N (sulfato de amônio e uréia) e quatro doses de N (0; 100; 200 e 300 kg ha-1 ano-1). Na subparcela, os tratamentos foram representados pelos anos (2004; 2005 e 2006), referentes ao tempo de recuperação da pastagem. A adubação nitrogenada foi parcelada em três aplicações, após cada corte de avaliação da forrageira. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a adubação nitrogenada influenciou as características estruturais e o acúmulo de massa seca do capim-marandu, e, consequentemente, a sua recuperação. A dose de 300 kg ha-1 ano-1 de sulfato de amônio proporcionou maiores valores de altura de plantas, densidade de perfilhos e massa seca das lâminas foliares. To replenish soil fertility is one of the ways of recovering the productive capacity of degraded pasture. Nitrogen fertilisation is fundamental to increasing forage production, especially when it comes to the recovery of pasture. With this in mind, the objective of this work was to evaluate the structural characteristics and dry matter (DM) accumulation of the leaf blades and sheathed stems of marandu-grass pasture at a moderate stage of degradation, for different dosages and sources of nitrogen, during a three-year period. The experiment was carried out from July, 2003 to March, 2006 at the Model Farm of the Goiás State University (UEG), over an area of 882 m² with plots of 20 m² and usable area of 6 m². The experimental design was of randomized blocks with three replications. The treatments in the plots were characterized by a 2 x 4 factorial, being two nitrogen sources (ammonium sulphate and urea) and four nitrogen dosages (0; 100; 200 and 300 kg ha-1 yr-1). For each sub-plot, treatments were represented by the years (2004, 2005 and 2006), as relating to the time of the recovery of the pasture. Nitrogen fertilization was divided into three applications, following each harvesting of the grass for forage evaluation. The results showed that nitrogen fertilisation influenced the structural characteristics and dry matter accumulation of marandu grass, and hence its recovery. The dosage of 300 kg ha-1 yr-1 of ammonium sulphate resulted in greater values for plant height, tiller density and leaf-blade dry matter.

Developed the study objective of was to evaluate nutrient cycling and accumulation in pearl millet and Paiaguas palisadegrass biomass under different forage systems and sowing periods in integrated crop-livestock. The experiment followed a randomized block design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement and three replications, under five forage systems (monocropped pearl millet, monocropped Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped in rows with Paiaguas palisadegrass, pearl millet intercropped between rows of Paiaguas palisadegrass and pearl millet oversown and intercropped with Paiaguas palisadegrass) and in two sowing periods (February and March). The results showed that Paiaguas palisadegrass monocropped or intercropped in rows or between rows, exhibited the highest nutrient cycling and accumulation in the remaining biomass. Nutrient accumulation the under all of the examined forage systems showed the following decreasing order: K > N > Mg > Ca > P > S. Potassium was the nutrient exhibiting the greatest accumulation in the biomass and it exhibited a higher percent decrease with decomposition time. The first sowing period for the forage systems led to higher nutrient cycling and accumulation in the biomass. Intercropped systems through in integrated crop-livestock showed a promising technique to maintain the nutrient cycling and accumulation with sustainability.

A adubação nitrogenada influencia positivamente no aspecto nutricional das gramíneas forrageiras, a ponto de resultar na recuperação adequada de pastagem. Objetivou-se com este estudo, avaliar a nutrição do capim-marandu, submetido a doses e fontes de N, pela determinação indireta de clorofila e pela concentração de N total, bem como a relação entre eles e os teores de N inorgânico (N-NH4+ e N-NO3-) nas folhas das plantas por um período de três anos. O experimento foi realizado de julho de 2003 a março de 2006, na Fazenda Modelo da UEG, numa área de 882 m², com pastagem estabelecida há mais de dez anos, com baixa produção de forragem. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com três repetições. Foi utilizado o esquema fatorial 2 x 4, sendo duas fontes de N (sulfato de amônio e uréia) e quatro doses de N (0, 100, 200 e 300 kg ha-1 ano-1). Em cada um dos anos, foram realizados três cortes para avaliação da planta forrageira. Os teores de clorofila aumentaram com as doses de N e anos de avaliação da pastagem. A maior concentração de N foi encontrada na maior dose de N aplicada na forma de sulfato de amônio. Verificou-se uma relação direta entre os teores de clorofila e as concentrações de N nas folhas recém-expandidas de capim-marandu. O N inorgânico (N-NH4+ e N-NO3-) representou pequena fração do N total das folhas de capim-marandu. Nitrogen fertilization positively influences nutritional aspects in grass and can result in largely recovered pastures. The research objective was to study the nutrition of marandu grass treated with nitrogen doses and sources, by methods of indirect determination of chlorophyll (SPAD) and total nitrogen concentration and the relation between them and inorganic nitrogen contents (N-NH4+ and N-NO3-) in plant leaves. The experiment was carried out from July of 2003 to March of 2006 on a model farm of the Universidade Estadual de Goiás, in an area of 882 m². The pasture had been used for more than ten years and the herbage yield was low and considered moderately degraded. A split-plot with three replications was used. The experiment had a complete randomized block, 2 x 4 factorial design, with two nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate and urea) and four nitrogen doses (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1 yr-1 ). In each year, marandu grass was cut and evaluated three times. Chlorophyll contents increased owing to the nitrogen doses and over the years. Nitrogen concentration was highest after the application of highest nitrogen doses in form of ammonium sulfate. The chlorophyll content and leaf nitrogen concentration in newly expanded leaves of marandu grass were directly related. Mineral nitrogen concentration (N-NH4+ and N-NO3-) represented little total nitrogen fraction of forage lives. Chlorophyll meter can be used for evaluation of nutritional state of marandu grass to know nitrogen absorption. The inorganic nitrogen concentration (N-NH4+ and N-NO3-) represented a small fraction of total nitrogen in the forage leaves.

Tropical forage grasses compose the base diet of the Brazilian cattle herd due to their low production cost, high production potential, and good adaptation to various Brazilian ecosystems. In recent years, the search has intensified for alternatives that increase the yield in pasture milk production systems. Thus, the present study evaluated the production and quality of Tifton 85 grass in relation to the production parameters (e.g. greater leaf: stem ratio), and milk quality of Holstein cows in an intermittent grazing system during different seasons of the year. The experiment was conducted at the Córrego da Ponte Farm in Santa Helena de Goias, Goias, Brazil, from April 2014 to March 2015. The experiment used a completely randomized design with nine replicates and the four seasons (fall, winter, spring, and summer) as treatments. The Holstein cows had a live weight of 560±36.8 kg and averages four years of age. The grazing method used was a mob-stocking, with one day of grazing and 19 days of rest. The results showed that Tifton 85 was efficient regarding production parameters (total dry mass) and forage quality (IVDMD, NDF, ADF). The milk production was satisfactory during the fall, spring, and summer. The forage showed limited production during the winter, due the highest NDF, ADF levels and lower IVDMD (P < 0.05), which was directly reflected in the milk yield, fat, protein and lactose (P < 0.05). A reduction in the stocking rate or an increase in the number of paddocks is advisable during the winter to maximize milk production without compromising forage development. The correlation data showed the importance of consuming better-quality forage to increase milk production without compromising the levels of milk solids.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu steers fed on the diets containing sugarcane in natura or ensiled with two levels of concentrate (30% and 70%). A total of 32 males of 394 kg of body weight were used in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and seven repetitions. The animals reported a high dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.05) when fed on the high concentrate levels. The increase in concentrate levels resulted in an approximately 25% to 60% higher DMI as compared to the lowest level offered by silage-based diets and sugarcane in natura. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter were observed in the diets based on sugarcane in natura (P < 0.05). The sugarcane based diets also affected (P > 0.05) the digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fiber carbohydrates. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the diets for average daily weight gain, carcass dressing, carcass gain, and feed conversion. The diets based on sugarcane in nature or ensiled with 30% and 70% concentrates do not influence the performance of crossbred Holstein × Zebu cattle.

This study determined the fractionation of protein and carbohydrate of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals. The experiment was developed at the Federal Institute of Goiás State, Rio Verde Campus, using a completely randomized design with four replications, in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement, being four energetic meals (millet, corn, sorghum and wheat) and five levels of addition (0, 8, 16, 24 and 32%). The meals were obtained by grinding the grains, where the levels of addition were calculated based on natural material. The results indicated that the energetic meals represented good sources of additives for ensiling Piata palisadegrass, for considerably improving protein and carbohydrate fractions. However, among the meals used, the sorghum was less efficient by presenting a lower protein fraction (A) and higher fraction C, compared with other additives. The meals of wheat and sorghum showed higher contents of carbohydrate fractions (A+B1 and C). It is recommended the level of addition of 24% of meals, for providing better nutritional value to silage. Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com objetivo de determinar o fracionamento de proteínas e carboidratos do capim-piatã ensilado com farelos energéticos. O experimento foi conduzido no Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo quatro farelos energéticos (milheto, milho, sorgo e trigo) e cinco níveis de adição (0, 8, 16, 24 e 32%). Os farelos utilizados foram obtidos através da moagem dos grãos, onde a adição dos níveis foi calculada com base na matéria natural do capim-piatã. Os resultados demonstraram que os farelos energéticos, apresentam boas fontes de aditivos para a ensilagem, por trazer melhorias consideráveis nas frações proteínas e fração carboidratos. No entanto, dentre os farelos utilizados o de sorgo mostrou menos eficiente por apresentar menor fração protéica (A) e maior fração C, quando comparados com os outros aditivos. E os farelos de trigo e sorgo apresentaram maiores frações carboidratos (A+B1 e C). Recomenda-se a adição do nível de 24% dos farelos, por proporcionar melhor valor nutritivo da silagem.

A study was carried out to evaluate the protein fraction and in vitro dry matter digestibility of marandu, xaraes grasses and campo grande in monocropping and intercropping systems under different planting methods, for a period of two years. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four replications. The treatments consisted of the following crop systems: campo grande in monocropping; xaraés grass in monocropping; marandu grass in monocropping; xaraés intercropped with campo grande in rows; xaraés intercropped with campo grande, broadcast; marandu grass intercropped with campo grande in rows; and marandu intercropped with campo grand, broadcast. The evaluations were conducted for two years, consisting of seasonal evaluations (autumn, winter, spring and summer) in the same plots, with repeated measurements over time. The results showed that xaraes and marandu grasses were similar between crop systems, indicating that both can be intercropped with campo grande. The intercropping of campo grande with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars improved the protein fraction and digestibility. The row method of planting provided better protein fractions and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com o objetivo de avaliar o fracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca dos capins marandu, xaraés e campo grande em cultivo solteiro e consorciado em diferentes métodos de plantio, por um período de dois anos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos dos seguintes sistemas forrageiros: capim-xaraés solteiro; capim-marandu solteiro; campo grande solteiro; capim-xaraés consorciado com campo grande em linha; capim-xaraés consorciado com campo grande a lanço; capim-marandu consorciado com campo grande em linha e capim-marandu consorciada com campo grande a lanço. As avaliações foram realizadas durante dois anos, consistindo em avaliações por estações do ano (outono, inverno, primavera e verão) nas mesmas parcelas, com medidas repetidas no tempo. Os resultados demonstraram que os capins xaraés e marandu mostraram semelhanças entre os sistemas de consórcio, indicando que ambos podem ser consorciados com o campo grande. O consórcio do campo grande com os cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha traz melhoria no fracionamento das proteínas e digestibilidade. O método de plantio em linha proporcionou melhores frações proteicas e digestibilidade n vitro da matéria seca.

The seasonality of forage production represents a limiting factor in the production of ruminants. The use of silages has been a solution for periods of low forage production, providing high quality food. This study was conducted to evaluate the fermentative characteristics and the chemical composition of silage of Urochloa brizantha cultivars with different levels of Campo Grande Stylosanthes. It was used a complete randomized block design with three replications in a 2 x 4 factorial design, being two cultivars of Urochloa brizantha (BRS Piata palisadegrass and BRS Paiaguas palisadegrass) and four levels of Campo Grande Stylosanthes (0, 10, 20 and 30%). Silages of Urochloa brizantha with Campo Grande Stylosanthes exhibit satisfactory quality, on the basis of the characteristics evaluated, with no significant difference between cultivars. The mixed silage of Campo Grande Stylosanthes with grasses at 30% has proven to be an interesting option, thus promoting adequate fermentation and maintaining the nutritional quality of silage.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a influência do sombreamento sobre o desempenho de cultivares de sorgo granífero. O ensaio foi realizado em casa-de-vegetação, utilizando-se delineamento inteiramente casualisado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, correspondendo aos quatro híbridos de sorgo granífero (DKB 599, AG 1040, BRS 308 e AG 1040) submetidos a pleno sol e sombreado, com três repetições. Determinou-se a altura de planta, área foliar, matéria seca das folhas, caule, raízes e panícula, além do comprimento do pendão e da panícula. Os resultados obtidos permitiram constatar que o ambiente sombreado proporcionou maior altura de plantas de sorgo, porém menores valores de área foliar. A redução na luminosidade proporcionou ainda maior acúmulo de massa seca de folhas e caule de todas as cultivares avaliadas. Somente a cultivar BRS 308 apresentou estabilidade produtiva indiferente do ambiente cultivado. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of shading on the performance of cultivars of grain sorghum. The test was conducted in a greenhouse using randomized design in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to the four hybrids of grain sorghum (DKB 599, AG 1040, AG 308, BRS 1040) submitted to a condition with and without shade, all treatments with three replications. We evaluated plant height, leaf area, dry matter of leaves, stems, roots, panicles, and the length of the tassel and panicle. The results show that the shaded environment led to greater height of plant sorghum, but lower values of leaf area. The reduction in brightness provided even greater accumulation of dry mass of leaves and stems of all evaluated cultivar. The BRS 308 showed stable production regardless of growth environment.

Adequate amounts and balanced proportions of nutrient supply is fundamental for the forage productive process. For the fertilization handling, forage plant nutrient requiriment must be known and, consequently, the plant capacity to extract soil nutrients. Therefore, the research had as objective to evaluate the nutrient extraction by Brachiaria brizantha phytomass under nitrogen doses. A randomized complete block experimental design with three replications in a plot repeated in time was used. In the plots, a factorial 3 x 4 arrangement was used, being three cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha (MG-4, Marandu and Xaraes) and four nitrogen doses (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg.dm-3). Three cuts of evaluation were allocated in time, referring.to the time of cuts. The source of nitrogen used was urea. The sharpest treatment effects on phytomass production of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars and nutrient extraction were influenced by the highest nitrogen doses. Xaraes-grass showed greater productivity in relation to the other cultivars, being.considered more responsive to the nitrogen fertilization. The maximum macronutrient extraction by Brachiaria brizantha followed the decreasing.order for the macronutrients: K > N > P > Mg.> S and micronutrients: Mn > Faith > Zn > Cu, being.necessary to restore soil nutrients, with the increase of nitrogen. KEYWORDS: Marandu, MG-4, nutrient absorption, Xaraes.

A colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar, quando realizada em épocas da safra em que o solo se encontra com conteúdos inadequados de água, tem sido responsável pela compactação do solo e a redução da produtividade nos ciclos posteriores da cultura. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito das operações de colheita da cana-de-açúcar em diferentes épocas da safra sobre a pressão de preconsolidação em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (LVA) e em um Cambissolo Háplico (CX). A colheita mecanizada consistiu no tráfego de duas passadas de uma colhedora de cana e do conjunto trator + transbordo em cada entrelinha da cultura. As amostras indeformadas foram utilizadas na determinação dos modelos de capacidade de suporte de carga do solo e na quantificação da compactação em decorrência da colheita mecanizada nos meses de novembro de 2005, março e agosto de 2006, e colheita manual sem tráfego, em março de 2006, por ser a época de maior intensidade pluvial. A porcentagem de amostras de solo, na região onde ocorre compactação adicional, indicou que o CX foi mais resistente à compactação que o LVA. A colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar, mesmo sendo realizada na zona de friabilidade, causou compactação do solo, enquanto a colheita realizada manualmente não promoveu o mesmo efeito. The mechanized harvesting of sugarcane when accomplished in times of crop where the soil meets the inappropriate water contents has been responsible for soil compaction and reduction of yield in subsequent cycles of the crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the harvesting operations of sugarcane at different times of the crop on preconsolidation pressure in a Red-Yellow Latosol (LVA) and in a Haplic Cambisol (CX). Mechanized harvesting traffic consisted of two passes of a sugarcane harvester and tractor + sugarcane transfer in each interrow of the culture. Undisturbed soil samples were used to determine the soil bearing capacity models and quantification of soil compaction due to mechanical harvesting in the months of November 2005, March and August 2006, and manual harvesting without traffic, in March 2006, because it is a time of greater rainfall intensity. The percentage of soil samples, in the region where additional soil compaction occurs, indicated that the CX was more resistant to compaction than the LVA. A mechanized harvesting of sugarcane being held in the friability zone caused soil compaction while the harvest accomplished manually did not cause the same effect.

A produção de forragens conservadas utilizando-se um tráfego intenso de maquinário sob condições inadequadas de água no solo, tem condicionado compactação do solo e a degradação das pastagens. No enfrentamento desta grave questão faz-se necessário o conhecimento do potencial de descompactação do solo, promovido por algumas forrageiras. Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, avaliar a descompactação de um Argissolo ao ser cultivado com capim-tifton 85 e sua produção. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal de Lavras, no período de fevereiro a junho de 2007, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado cultivando-se o capim-tifton nos seguintes graus de compactação do solo: 66, 83, 88, 92 e 98%. Avaliaram-se os atributos físicos, o comportamento compressivo do solo e a produção de massa seca do capim. A descompactação foi quantificada pela redução da pressão de preconsolidação após o cultivo. Os modelos de capacidade de suporte de carga refletiram as alterações na macroporosidade do solo. Nas condições do estudo o capim-tifton 85 promoveu a descompactação do solo, a qual é diretamente proporcional ao grau de compactação inicial. A produção de forragem aumenta sempre que o solo é descompactado. The production of conserved forages using an intense traffic of machinery under inadequate conditions of water content in the soil has caused soil compaction and the degradation of pastures. In order to face this serious problem it is necessary to know the potential of soil loosening by some forage plants. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the loosening of an Argisol cultivated with Tifton 85 grass, as well as its production. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Lavras, from February to June 2007, using a completely randomized design, cultivating the Tifton 85 grass under the following compaction degrees: 66, 83, 88, 92 and 98%. The physical attributes, the compressive behavior of soil and the production of dry mass of grass were evaluated. The loosening was quantified by the reduction of the preconsolidation pressure after cultivation. The bearing capacity models reflected the changes in soil macroporosity. Under study conditions, the Tifton 85 grass promoted the soil loosening proportional to the initial compression degree. The production of forage increased as the soil is loosened.

Soil compaction associated with pastures degradation can decrease animal productivity, forage longevity and compromise environmental sustainability. To confront this serious issue, the loosening potential of forages should be recognized. We evaluated the least limiting water range as indicator of biological loosening potential in relation to cultivation of grasses the genus Brachiariain crop-livestock integration. We also evaluated the water availability to soybean crop that succeeded these grasses. Our studies were performed in two stages. In the first stage, we divided 32 plots into four randomized blocks in which we cultivated corn combined with following treatments: 1 - Brachiaria brizanthacultivar Marandu; 2 - Xaraes; 3 - Piata; 4 - MG4; 5 - B. decumbens; 6 - B. ruziziensis; 7 - Invasive plants; and 8 - uncovered soil. We evaluated soil, to quantify the biological soil loosening, and also forages. In the second stage, we cultivated soybean and added: 9 - conventional tillage as a control treatment, increasing number of plots to 36. Our results suggest that it is possible to cultivate Brachiaria brizantha or Brachiaria decumbens as management strategy to aid edaphic recovery. Xaraes and Piata grasses provide greater soil loosening while increasing water availability to successive soybean crop. A compactação do solo associada à degradação das pastagens reduz a produtividade animal e da forrageira e compromete a sustentabilidade ambiental. No enfrentamento desta grave questão, faz-se necessário o conhecimento do potencial de descompactação do solo promovido por algumas forrageiras. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o intervalo hídrico ótimo como indicador da descompactação biológica do solo decorrente do cultivo de capins do gênero Brachiaria em integração agricultura-pecuária, bem como a disponibilidade hídrica à soja cultivada em sucessão. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. Inicialmente foram implantadas 32 parcelas em quatro blocos casualizados, cultivando milho consorciado com os seguintes com os tratamentos: 1 - Brachiaria brizantha cultivares Marandu, 2 - Xaraes, 3 - Piata e 4 - MG4, 5 - B. decumbens, 6 - B. ruziziensis, 7 - Plantas invasoras e, 8 - Solo descoberto. Foi avaliado o solo para quantificação da descompactação biológica, e também as forragens. Na segunda etapa cultivou-se soja, acrescentando-se como tratamento testemunha: 9 - plantio convencional, totalizando 36 parcelas. Os resultados sugerem o cultivo de B. brizantha ou B. decumbens na recuperação edáfica. Destacam-se os capins Xaraes e Piata que proporcionaram maior descompactação do solo e, consequentemente, aumento da disponibilidade hídrica à soja em sucessão.

This study aimed to determine the protein and carbohydrate fractionation of Piata palisadegrass silage of brans from biodiesel industry. The experiment was developed in the Federal Institute of Goiás State, Campus Rio Verde, with a completely randomized experimental design, four replications, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with four oleaginous brans (cotton, sunflower, soybean and canola) and four levels of inclusion (0, 5, 10 and 15%). The results showed that brans from biodiesel industry are good sources of additives for ensiling the Piata palisadegrass, by considerably improving fractions of proteins and carbohydrates. However, the soybean meal proved to be more efficient by having higher fractions of proteins and carbohydrates A+B1 and lower fractions C, compared with other additives. It is recommended the addition of 15% of brans for providing better nutritional value of silage. Objetivou-se determinar o fracionamento de proteínas e carboidratos da silagem de capimpiatã com farelos da indústria de biodiesel. O experimento foi conduzido no Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo quatro farelos oleaginosos (algodão, girassol, soja e canola) e quatros níveis de adição (0, 5, 10 e 15%). Os resultados demonstraram que os farelos da indústria do biodiesel constituem em boas fontes de aditivos para a ensilagem do capim-piatã, por trazer melhorias consideráveis nas frações de proteínas e carboidratos. No entanto, o farelo de soja mostrou ser mais eficiente, para melhorar a qualidade da silagem, por apresentar maiores frações proteícas e carboidratos A+B1 e menores frações C, quando comparado com os outros aditivos. Com relação aos níveis, recomenda-se a adição de 15% dos farelos, por proporcionar melhor valor nutritivo da silagem.

The determination of protein fraction and rumen fermentation characteristics of pearl millet genotypes is important, since generate information about food nutritional value and also guide the breeding programs of genotypes to be used in diets of ruminants. The objective of this research was to determine the digestion rates of protein fractions, dry matter degradability and in vitro dry matter digestibility of silages from pearl millet genotypes produced at different cutting ages. The experiment was carried out on the Agronomy campus of the Rio Verde University and on the Rio Verde campus of Goiano Federal Institute. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement, with five genotypes of millet: ARD 500, ADR 7010, LAB 0730, LAB 0731 and LAB 0732 and three cutting ages: 57, 65 and 73 days after sowing (DAS). The silage produced from pearl millet, regardless of genotype can be considered of good quality. The evaluated genotypes are considered early, so that the age that provided the best silage quality was 57 DAS. This age provided higher fractions A, lower fraction C and high degradability and digestibility.

The nutritional value of Xaraes and Piata palisadegrass silages wilted or with additives was evaluated in a completely randomized design (2x4 factorial arrangement), being two cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha (Xaraes and Piata palisadegrass) and four ensiling methods as treatments: T 1 - control, in natura forage (INF); T 2 – INF wilted for 4 hours under the sun; T 3 - INF + bacterial additive (BactoSilo® Lallemand) 2 g ton -1 of in natura forage; T 4 – INF + 15% of pearl millet meal. For ensiling, the grasses were harvested in the growth stage of 40 days, at 20 cm from the ground level. The addition of the inoculant and millet meal improved the fermentative and chemical parameters of both cultivars silages, by increasing soluble carbohydrates (SC), CP and TDN contents and reducing ammonia - nitrogen and pH. Because of its composition, 15% of millet meal inclusion affected SC, NDF, ADF and increased the IVDDM of silages. Bacterial inoculant or millet meal inclusion enhanced the nutritional value of Brachiaria brizantha silages and, could have a positive performance response on ruminants fed with these silages . Wilting was also effective in improving the fermentative stability of grass silages and may be a cheaper alternative to additives.