Forage accumulation and tillering in Tanzania grass (<em>Panicum maximum</em> Jacq.) pasture after deferment

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of deferment on dry matter accumulation and tillering, in a Tanzania grass pasture, (Panicum maximum Jacq. c.v. Tanzania-1) (Poaceae), maintained at different sward height, under grazing, in the northwest region of Paraná state - Brazil, during the period of December 19^th, 1998 to May 13^th, 1999. The treatments (sward height) were: 20, 40, 60 and 80,0cm. After deferment, the parameters were evaluated for the period from May 14^th to July 22^nd, 1999. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two replications. There was an effect of treatments on dry matter accumulation, green lamina dry matter accumulation and tiller mass. It was concluded that deferment of Tanzania grass pastures after the reproductive phase, increased the forage mass and green leaf mass, for grazing during the period of low herbage yield.