The effect of levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization associated with potassium (K2O) and four growth intervals on the dry matter (DM) production, levels of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), leaf/stem (L/S) ratio and leaf area index (LAI) of Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick were studied. The following doses of N were tested, as agricultural urea, and K2O, as potassium chloride, in kg/ha/year: 0 of N + 100 of K2O; 100 of N + 100 of K2O; 200 of N + 200 of K2O and 400 of N + 400 of K2O. The applications were in equivalent amounts of 1/6 of the annual total (in 6 parcels) to improve the efficiency of fertilization. We observed a significant effect of the fertilization levels and cutting ages on DM production. The effect of fertilization rates and growth intervals did not affect the NDF content of the grass (P>0.05), but CP content, LAI and L/S ratio were influenced by growth intervals (P<0.05).
Chemical composition; DM production; L/S ratio
