Soybean performance as affected by pasture management, desiccation times and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of grazing heights and desiccation times of a Urochloa ruziziensis pasture and mineral nitrogen fertilization on soybean performance. Three grazing heights (15, 35, and 50 cm) on a pasture, continuously grazed by beef cattle for six months, and a nongrazed paddock were tested and constituted four different experiments. For each experiment, a randomized complete block design was used, in split‑plot arrangements. In the main plots, four pasture desiccation times (35, 28, 20, and 8 days before soybean sowing) were distributed; and, in the subplots, two treatments were carried out (without and with 30 kg ha^‑1 N, broadcasted at soybean sowing). Pasture management of U. ruziziensis at 35-cm height provides the highest soybean yield for soybean cultivated in succession to the pasture. Urochloa ruziziensis desiccation times from 8 to 35 days before soybean sowing does not influence the crop’s agronomic performance. After U. ruziziensis pasture management, the application of 30 kg ha^‑1 N, at soybean sowing, provides higher soybean plant and first pod insertion heights, but does not change soybean yield.