<b>Production of Cameroon grass in two soil classes with increasing nitrogen levels in the north of Tocantins State, Brazil</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v32i4.6209

Abstract

The development of elephant grass at increasing nitrogen rates in two soil classes was evaluated. A totally randomized 5 x 2 design, with five nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 150 kg N ha^-1), in two classes of soil (Oxisol and Entisol), with four repetitions, was employed. Evaluated parameters consisted of plant height, tillers, mass per tiller, leaf:stem ratio, dry matter and pH of soil. Although the production of Pennisetum purpureum was positive for both types of soil, best response occurred in Oxisol. Whereas mass (in grams) of the tillers had a linear effect according to nitrogen rates, there was no difference between treatments in Entisol. Increase of tillers’ mass had the highest effect on total dry mass. Nitrogen fertilization promoted highest decreasing acidification in Ultisol. Due to increasing levels of nitrogen the development of grass showed positive response to both soils, although it was better in Ultisol when compared to that in Entisol.