Effect of cutting regimes on seasonal forage yield of Paspalum guenoarum Arech

Abstract

Under field conditions, the effect of clipping height (5 and 10 cm) and growth stages (vegetative and flowering) on the seasonal forage yield of Paspalum guenoarum Arech., and crude protein content of the total mixture components (grass + weeds), was evaluated. There was a significative (P < 0.05) seasonal trends of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields. The highest yields, for both components (grass and weeds) were obtained during Summer, followed by spring and Autumn. The utilization at the flowering stage at 5 cm stubble height improved the DM yields of weeds. The inverse was observed with the increase of the interval between cuts. In all seasons, clipping at vegetative stage, at 5 or 10 cm stubble height, provided the highest CP contents, being greater levels obtained during Winter and Autumn. The highest CP yields were obtained during Summer with clipping at flowering stage at 5 cm stubble height.