Publication Date

1993

Description

Gliricidia sepium is an important legume tree used in the silvopastoral systems of the Caribbean area and tropical America. In this work we analysed the effect of its alley cropping on the growth and mineral nutrition of a Dichanthium aristatum sward, Results show that nitrogen uptake and conversion efficiency of solar radiation were twice as high in the shaded grass. Phosphorus and potassium uptake of dichanthium were also improved by tree presence, Better mineral nutrition and growth of a shaded sward could be related to the better water status of the .. grass leaves throughout the day, This effect may be the consequence of a reduction in evaporative demand on the grass due to the presence of the trees.

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Growth and Mineral Nutrition in Dichanthium aristatum Sward Shaded by Tress

Gliricidia sepium is an important legume tree used in the silvopastoral systems of the Caribbean area and tropical America. In this work we analysed the effect of its alley cropping on the growth and mineral nutrition of a Dichanthium aristatum sward, Results show that nitrogen uptake and conversion efficiency of solar radiation were twice as high in the shaded grass. Phosphorus and potassium uptake of dichanthium were also improved by tree presence, Better mineral nutrition and growth of a shaded sward could be related to the better water status of the .. grass leaves throughout the day, This effect may be the consequence of a reduction in evaporative demand on the grass due to the presence of the trees.