This trial aimed to verify foliar levels of macronutrients and development of sugarcane cultivars 'RB72454', 'RB867515' and 'SP801816' under competition with populations of Brachiaria brizantha. The field trial was installed where treatments were: 1) Sugarcane 'RB72454' and B. brizantha population of 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, 32, 40, 32, 64, 92, 88 e 112; 2) 'RB867515' e 0, 1, 4, 14, 10, 18, 28, 30, 36, 54, 52 e 72; 3) 'SP801816' e 0, 1, 3, 6, 14, 20, 24, 26, 26, 32, 46 e 56 plants m-2. At 120 days after crop emergence, the crop and weed shoot dry mass (MS) was analyzed. At 290 days, samples of the 3rd leaf were collected. From these samples, concentration of total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium where measured. As the competition increased, a reduction in MS was observed only for 'RB72454'. Increases in population B. brizantha caused reduction in leaf phosphorus concentration for all varieties; nitrogen reduction for 'RB72454' and 'SP801816', as well as potassium and magnesium for 'RB72454'. There was higher competition for nutrients as B. brizantha population was increased, being phosphorus the more limiting nutrient for growth under competition. The variety 'RB72454' demonstrated lower competitive ability in relation to the other ones. All varieties presented average reduction of 76% in the yield in maximum density of B. brizantha.
competition; yield; Saccharum officinarum
