This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a consortium of forage plants and sorghum in the presence or absence of the herbicide atrazine on weed dynamics, sorghum and forage plant production, in an agro-forestry system. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, with three grass species (Brachiaria brizantha, cv. Xaraés; Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina and Panicum maximum, cv. Tanzânia) in consortium with sorghum, and in the presence and absence of 1.50 kg ha-1 of atrazine application for weed management. The forage plants were sown before sorghum, spaced 0.50 m between rows and eight seeds per linear meter, under a no-tillage system. The application of atrazine did not result in lower production of total dry mass of weeds, compared to the plots without management. The highest weed dry mass was found in the sorghum monoculture, compared to consortium of this culture with the forage plant. The planting of sorghum with Tanzania grass, the forage plant with the largest production, was obtained in the occurrence and mass production of weeds, indicating a good competitive ability of this forage plant. Sorghum production was statistically similar between treatments but higher in monoculture, compared to the consortium with forage. The species presenting higher mass production, such as Tanzania grass,when consorted with sorghum, reduced infestation and the competitive ability of weeds, favoring the management of these species, and rendering the use of atrazine unnecessary.
pastures; cultural management; sorghum production; integrated systems
