Theme 08: Grazing Ecology
Archived
This content is available here strictly for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping and as such it may not be fully accessible. If you work or study at University of Kentucky and would like to request an accessible version, please use the SensusAccess Document Converter.
Publication Date
2001
Location
Brazil
Description
Native pastures of southern Brazil cover 12 million ha and are the main forage feed resource for most domestic livestock. However, their heavy and continuous use has reduced standing biomass and the presence of good forage species, reducing animal performance and jeopardizing the ecosystem sustainability. An alternative for better use of these pastures and their preservation is grazing deferment that allow natural reseeding. The objective of this research was evaluate native pasture dynamic after six years of grazing deferments (GD) periods and soil fertilization effects by point-quadrat method every season. All pasture components were affected by GD, with prostrate grasses increasing their frequency (P < 0.05) under continuous grazing while periods of rest encouraged erect plants. Fertilization improved pasture condition by reducing frequencies of no forage species, litter and bare soil, and increasing frequencies and dry matter contribution of good ones like native legumes, especially Desmodium incanum.
Citation
Gomes, K. E.; Maraschin, G. E.; and Riboldi, J., "Dynamic of Native Pasture Influenced by Deferment of Grazing and Fertilization" (2001). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 5.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/19/8/5)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Dynamic of Native Pasture Influenced by Deferment of Grazing and Fertilization
Brazil
Native pastures of southern Brazil cover 12 million ha and are the main forage feed resource for most domestic livestock. However, their heavy and continuous use has reduced standing biomass and the presence of good forage species, reducing animal performance and jeopardizing the ecosystem sustainability. An alternative for better use of these pastures and their preservation is grazing deferment that allow natural reseeding. The objective of this research was evaluate native pasture dynamic after six years of grazing deferments (GD) periods and soil fertilization effects by point-quadrat method every season. All pasture components were affected by GD, with prostrate grasses increasing their frequency (P < 0.05) under continuous grazing while periods of rest encouraged erect plants. Fertilization improved pasture condition by reducing frequencies of no forage species, litter and bare soil, and increasing frequencies and dry matter contribution of good ones like native legumes, especially Desmodium incanum.
