Growth of Brachiaria brizantha with corn intercropping in no-tillage system - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v29i1.71

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) in 5 different sample periods (87, 98, 121, 174 and 187 days after appear) in terms of leaf area, leaf area index, dry matter production of leaf in relation to the production of stalk and sheath, as well as the total dry matter, during the intercropping period with corn and after grain harvest, established in no-tillage system. The shadowing from the corn caused a decrease in the leaf area and in the leaf area index during the experimental period in the forage. The small row space provided decreased the dry matter production of the components with past ratings. In conditions of intercropping cultivation in row spacing, the competition among corn and the brachiaria promote physiologic alterations in the forage and thus provide anticipation in the cycle of development. Among the intercropping modes, the corn consortium with brachiaria in the row and inter-row provided major dry matter production of forage.