Effects of types and levels of lime on tobiatã grass (<em>Panicum maximum</em> Jacq.): dry matter yield and nutrition value

Abstract

Effects of type and level of limestone applied to tobiatã grass, (Panicum maximum Jacq.) (Poaceae), pastures were evaluated in an experimental trial at the FZEA/USP – Pirassununga SP Brazil. Treatments were composed of three types of limestone (Calcitic, Dolomitic 1 and Dolomitic 2) at two levels (V = 30 and 60%), plus control, totaling seven treatments. One winter and three summer cuts were employed to evaluate dry matter yield and botanical composition. Analysis for dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and in vitro dry mater digestibility was undertaken on one winter and two summer harvests. Forage increase indicated initial pasture recovery. There was no response to liming for dry matter yield, except dolomitic 2 30% and dolomitic 1 60% treatments which showed improved nutritive value. Higher nutritive value of forages seemed to be more related to environmental conditions