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Publication Date
1981
Description
The procedure for pasture establishment in the Brazilian Amazon has been to cut down and burn forest and then to seed guineagrass (Panicum maximum L.). Under normal management, animal production has dropped significantly as pastures have deteriorated and have been invaded by weeds. A dearth of knowledge of climate, soils, and plant species; the manner in which pastures have been planted and managed; and a complete absence of fertilization have led to overgrazing and complete degradation of the pastures. This study was undertaken to identify soil problems, adapted forage species, pasture-management practices, and ways of regenerating pastures. Two regions were selected: northeast Mato Grosso and Paragominas/State of Para, where cattle projects are concentrated. The procedure was to install introduction garden plots, with over 100 forage species, and fertilizer and lime experiments. Plot studies were conducted to determine the principal nutrient problems. Under field conditions, experiments were installed with the best species and fertilized, and their performance was evaluated. Specific experiments aimed at the recuperation of pastures through fertilization. The investigation lasted 5 years. Phosphorus was identified as the limiting factor in the development and normal persistence of guineagrass. Positive results were obtained with low level of phosphorus (50-75 kg/ha) alone or together with limestone for the recuperation of deteriorated guineagras infested with weeds. Approximately 17 of the forage species were selected as the most promising. Fertilization of pastures iii the Brazilian Amazon with phosphorus is essential if production and persistence are to be maintained. For renova· tion of guineagrass pastures, application of phosphorus and dolomitic Ii.me is recommended. Approximatey 17 new vegetative species were identified as adaptable.
Citation
Saito, H M.; Koster, H W.; Khan, E.J A.; Winslow, D F.; Hollick, A M.; Paollichi, P M.; Costa, A C.; and Rolim, F A., "Pasture Research Project in the Brazilian Amazon" (1981). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 10.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1981/section12/10)
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Archival
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Pasture Research Project in the Brazilian Amazon
The procedure for pasture establishment in the Brazilian Amazon has been to cut down and burn forest and then to seed guineagrass (Panicum maximum L.). Under normal management, animal production has dropped significantly as pastures have deteriorated and have been invaded by weeds. A dearth of knowledge of climate, soils, and plant species; the manner in which pastures have been planted and managed; and a complete absence of fertilization have led to overgrazing and complete degradation of the pastures. This study was undertaken to identify soil problems, adapted forage species, pasture-management practices, and ways of regenerating pastures. Two regions were selected: northeast Mato Grosso and Paragominas/State of Para, where cattle projects are concentrated. The procedure was to install introduction garden plots, with over 100 forage species, and fertilizer and lime experiments. Plot studies were conducted to determine the principal nutrient problems. Under field conditions, experiments were installed with the best species and fertilized, and their performance was evaluated. Specific experiments aimed at the recuperation of pastures through fertilization. The investigation lasted 5 years. Phosphorus was identified as the limiting factor in the development and normal persistence of guineagrass. Positive results were obtained with low level of phosphorus (50-75 kg/ha) alone or together with limestone for the recuperation of deteriorated guineagras infested with weeds. Approximately 17 of the forage species were selected as the most promising. Fertilization of pastures iii the Brazilian Amazon with phosphorus is essential if production and persistence are to be maintained. For renova· tion of guineagrass pastures, application of phosphorus and dolomitic Ii.me is recommended. Approximatey 17 new vegetative species were identified as adaptable.
