The effect sowing rate upon the dry matter production and botanical composition of the mixture rhodes grass and siratro

Abstract

Sowing rates of 6, 15, 30 kg/ha of Rhodes grass seed and 3 and 10 kg/ha of siratro were studied in mixtures, during the years 1969/1971. The forages showed good association and the production was satisfactory just in the firsth year (3,0 to 5,5 t/ha of dry matter). Sowing rate of 6 kg/ha of Rhodes grass was sufficient for the establishment of this grass; in this sowing rate the production was inferior only in the firsth year. In the second year, production of all sowing rates did not present significant differences. Siratro sowing rate of 3 kg/ha produced a good mixture; however, sowing rate of 10 kg/ha gives a bigger percentage of legume in the mixture at the first year. All sowing rates studied and their combinations permited the establishment of the mixture, even in this area where crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis ( L.) Scop.) was a dominant weed.