FERTILIZATION STRATEGIES AND HEIGHT OF CAPIM-MOMBAÇA DEFOLIATION UNDER PRODUCTION AND EFFICIENCY OF FORAGE USE
Morphogenesis, fertilization strategies, defoliation height.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenesis of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus) under different fertilizer recommendations with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), combined with two heights of defoliation in order to get a better recommendation for the region. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, with six replications. The treatment consisted of five fertilization recommendations (without fertilization, replacement strategy, 5th approximation strategy strategy adapted Michaelis-Menten P and the lifting strategy 80mg / dm 3) peeling and two heights (70 to 90 cm). Were evaluated and calculated the leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), phyllochron (FILO), leaf senescence rate (TSF), number of living leaves (NFV ), leaf life span (DVF) and mean leaf blade length (CMLF). The data were obtained through 5 tillers marked by plot, totaling 30 tillers per treatment, being these exchanged with each cut made. Samples were taken at 30 cm, height of residue, when the average height of the plots reached 70 cm and 90 cm. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, at significance level 5%, when significant effects were verified and interaction was used the Tukey mean test. Mombasa grass responded positively to the strategy of P elevation at 80mg / dm3 and fertilization 5º approach (Minas Gerais) in the leaf appearance rate within the 90cm defoliation height. Likewise, there was an increase in leaf elongation rate within the height of 70 cm of defoliation using the two strategies mentioned above. Phyllochron and the lifetime of the leaves decreased when using fertilization strategy 5th approximation (Brazil) in the management of 70 cm sward, which indicates the effect of higher amount of N-P-K that fertilization strategy. The other fertilization strategies did not influence the morphogenic characteristics of the Mombasa grass. The morphogenic characteristics were influenced by the strategy of fertilization 5º Approximation and Elevation of P to 80mg / dm3, as a function of the increase of the tissue flow stimulated by these fertilization strategies.