Analysis of the production and forage components of Chloris gayana cv. Épica_INTA-Pemán in an open silvopastoral and pastoral system, under two defoliation regimes.
Abstract
Pastoral beef production systems face several challenges, including environmental variability. The incorporation of the tree layer in these systems can reduce the effects of climatic stress, improving conditions for livestock and forage resources. This study compared the biomass production and forage components of Chloris gayana cv. Épica INTA-Pemán in a silvopastoral and an open pasture system, using two defoliation regimes based on leaf half-life. The work was carried out at the Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido INTA (Leales, Tucumán, Argentina). Samples collected in both systems were analyzed for total biomass and yield components: leaves, stems plus pods, senescent material and inflorescences. Tiller population density and photosynthetically active radiation were also evaluated. The results showed that the pastoral system had higher biomass than the silvopastoral system, while the decrease of yield components in the silvopastoral system was greater at 700ºCd (2 leaf half-life). It is concluded that the effect of leaf half-life on aerial biomass and its components varies according to the production system, with a decrease in biomass in the silvopastoral system.
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References
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