Sward structural characteristics and herbage accumulation of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça subjected to rotational stocking managements

摘要: Grazing strategies promote changes in sward structure that can affect patterns of herbage accumulation and flexibility to management. This experiment evaluated structural characteristics Mombaca guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaca) subjected rotational stocking managements. Treatments involved grazing when swards reached either 95 or 100% interception the incident light (LI), post-grazing heights 30 50 cm, were allocated 2,000 m2 paddocks according a randomised complete block design 2 × factorial arrangement with four replications, from January 2001 February 2002. Sward canopy changed vertical more horizontal orientation as area index height increased post pre-grazing. Leaf pre-grazing was stable throughout year around 90 115 cm for 95% LI treatments respectively, indicating potential development use target-based management practices. Herbage mass pre lower than treatments, but higher proportion leaf proportions stem dead material. Treatment effects on cumulative became evident progressed, up 6 t ha-1 DM advantage 95/30 treatment. Although based single experiment, should aim low during transition period winter spring order allow fast recovery favour following growing season.