Effect of altitude and defoliation frequency in the quality and growth of Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus)

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the nutritional efficiency of Kikuyu grass, when it is cultivated at different altitudes and defoliated with a different number of leaves per tiller. Four farms, with Kikuyu crops (Cenchrus clandestinus), were selected, two in an average altitude of 2,552 m.a.s.l. and two in average altitude of 2,914 m.a.s.l. In each farm, there were established eight plots of 4 m2 each (four treatments, two replicates). For 10 months, the pastures were defoliated when they presented 4, 5, 6, and 7 leaves per tiller (treatments) at 5 cm above ground when 90% of the tillers reached the number of leaves corresponding to each treatment. Data were analyzed as serial experiments using a completely randomized block (farms) design with an analysis of variance. The leaf appearance interval was higher for the highest altitude (8 vs. 10 days) but vary among treatments at a lower altitude (P<0.05). Pastures at higher altitudes were shorter (8.9 vs. 13.5 cm), but its height varied among treatments depending on the altitude (P<0.001). The quality of the pastures was similar, except for the ones with seven leaves per tiller at 2,552 m.a.s.l. that had less protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (P<0.01). The nutrient yield was higher for the pastures cultivated at 2,552 m.a.s.l. (P<0.001), and, at this altitude, pastures defoliated with five leaves had the largest nutrient yield. The Kikuyu cultivated at higher altitudes grows slowly and yield fewer nutrients independently of the number of leaves per tiller.

Effects of mowing regimes on forage yield and crude protein of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel in Songnen grassland

“…ex Chiov.) was lower when mowed every seven leaves per tillers compared to mowing every four leaves per tiller in a Colombian Andean zone in America (Charry et al, 2020).…”

“…ex Chiov.) was lower when mowed every seven leaves per tillers compared to mowing every four leaves per tiller in a Colombian Andean zone in America (Charry et al, 2020). Interestingly, frequent mowing (every 3 weeks) led to a short-term increase in the CP of Stipa grandis P. Smirn./L.…”

Optimum harvest time for Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) according to the number of leaves per tiller and nitrogen fertilization

“…Although in the L6 stage, there were no significant differences in nutritional quality with respect to L4 and L5, senescence losses began in the pasture, with a negative impact on the efficiency of use. Escobar et al (2020) reported the highest nutrient yields (CP, Net Energy for Lactation [NEL]) for L5 in a ten-month on-farm trial without N fertilization. Harvesting Kikuyu with fewer leaves per tiller (<5) may be feasible if nitrogen fertilization is applied or cultivated in high fertile soils (García et al, 2014;Dugmore, 2011;Mejía-Taborda et al, 2014;Castillo et al, 1983).…”

Factores que afectan la calidad del ensilaje de pasto Kikuyo (Cenchrus clandestinus)

“…En condiciones del trópico altoandino, el crecimiento de esta gramínea se redujo entre 37 % y 86 % en época seca (Avellaneda et al, 2020). Con relación al manejo de la pradera, la productividad del Kikuyo incrementa cuando la planta presenta entre cuatro y seis hojas vivas (Escobar Charry et al, 2020); además, el crecimiento del pasto responde de forma positiva a la fertilización nitrogenada (Acero-Camelo et al, 2020).…”