Offered Papers Theme A: Efficient Production from Grassland
Description
In 1976 the Program for Reclamation, Improvement and Management of Pastures in the Brazilian Amazon (PROPASTO), conducted by Embrapa, established on-farm experiments in the State of Acre. These experiments consisted of introducing and evaluating grass and grass-legume stands, both under cutting and grazing. Similar experiments were established in all states in the region. Since then, research has recommended new species of grasses, legumes and grass-legume associations for establishment of improved pastures in the Brazilian Amazon. The grass cultivars recommended were an instant success with farmers, with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu becoming the predominant species, occupying approximately 80% of the total pasture area established in Acre until 1998. However, the legumes recommended had limited adoption and most failed to persist in the pastures after a few years under grazing, mainly due to the incidence of diseases and poor management. The exception occurred in Acre where the legume Pueraria phaseoloides (Tropical kudzu) became one of the most important forage resources and has maintained that position.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Tropical Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides): Successful Adoption in Sustainable Cattle Production Systems in the Western Brazilian Amazon
In 1976 the Program for Reclamation, Improvement and Management of Pastures in the Brazilian Amazon (PROPASTO), conducted by Embrapa, established on-farm experiments in the State of Acre. These experiments consisted of introducing and evaluating grass and grass-legume stands, both under cutting and grazing. Similar experiments were established in all states in the region. Since then, research has recommended new species of grasses, legumes and grass-legume associations for establishment of improved pastures in the Brazilian Amazon. The grass cultivars recommended were an instant success with farmers, with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu becoming the predominant species, occupying approximately 80% of the total pasture area established in Acre until 1998. However, the legumes recommended had limited adoption and most failed to persist in the pastures after a few years under grazing, mainly due to the incidence of diseases and poor management. The exception occurred in Acre where the legume Pueraria phaseoloides (Tropical kudzu) became one of the most important forage resources and has maintained that position.
