Tillering in Italian ryegrass established after soybean or corn, under different stockings and grazing intensities

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate tiller density, herbage mass, pattern of tiller population, and sward stability index in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures established after soybean or corn, subjected to different stocking methods and grazing intensities by sheep. Rotational or continuous stockings were evaluated under moderate (forage allowance equivalent to 2.5 times the potential consumption of lambs) and low grazing intensities (equivalent to 5.0 times). It was used a completely randomized block design, with a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. Evaluations were done monthly, between August and October 2010, during the pasture period. The tiller population density differed significantly with stocking methods and grazing intensities and was higher in the area previously cultivated with soybean, in the evaluation performed in August. The highest herbage masses were observed in pastures established after soybean at low‑grazing intensity, whereas the lowest were observed in pastures established after corn with moderate grazing intensity. During the reproductive period, tillering density reduced, and the individual tiller mass increased. Moderate grazing intensity reduces the percentage of fertile tillers. Reduction in tiller density during flowering does not affect the sward stability index.