Yield and quality of Guinea grass cv. Mombasa according to plant spacing and season of the year

Abstract

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the yield, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus, Jacq.) cv. Mombasa according to plant spacing and seasons of the year.

Design/methodology/approach: The Mombasa grass was stablished at plants spacing: 25x25. 50x25, 70x25 and 100x25 cm between rows and plants, respectively, and broadcasting (traditional planting); and cutting in: cool, dry and rainy seasons. There was used a factorial split-plot design into randomized blocks, with four replications.

Results: The dry matter yield (DMY) was equal (p˃0.05) in cool and rainy seasons and lower (p<0.05) in dry season (27.2, 27.5 and 12.7 kg ha^-1 d^-1, respectively). The crude protein (CP) increased at longer plant spacing (p<0.05). The regrowth of the dry season showed a higher (p<0.05) CP than cool or rainy seasons (10.5, 9.7 and 8.7%). The content of all fiber fractions, except lignin, did not differ between plant spacing (p>0.05).

Limitations on study/implications: The season of the year affects the quality of tropical grasses. On the other hand, there is no information of plant spacing on the quality of Mombasa grass.

Findings/conclusions: The highest DMY was in cool season at 75x25 cm and 100x25 cm. The regrowth of the dry season showed lower fiber content and greater in vitro digestibility, but lower DMY. To ensure proper yield and quality, it is recommended to establish the Guinea grass cv. Mombasa at longer plant spacing, such as 75x25 cm or 100x25 cm.