It was evaluated the shading effect induced by two tree densities of a ten-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) forest, and at full sun, on forage dry matter yield and nutritive value of three cool-season annual grasses. Treatments were a combination of two main factors: a) three light conditions induced by two tree densities (333 e 555 stems/ha) and at full sun; b) three cool-season annual forage grasses: Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), common oat (Avena sativa L.) cv. Fapa-2, and black-oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.). A split-plot experimental design, with three replications, was used. The main plots were the light conditions affected by tree density and the subplots were the different forage species. Sowing dates were from July 25 to August 5, 2005 and April 26 and 27, 2006. In order to determine forage DM yield, plants were hand-clipped at the vegetative stage (104 days after sowing, in 2006) and at full bloom (132 and 170 days, in 2005 e 2006, respectively). Forage nutritive value was accessed by determining crude protein (CP) concentration and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). Results showed that when plants were at the full bloom stage and under moderate shading, forage DM yield was reduced by 57%, forage CP content was increased by 2,3%, and IVOMD was raised by 5,5%, compared to plants at full sun. In terms of their potential utilization, common oat and black-oat show promise for regional silvopastoral systems in southern Brazil.
Avena sativa; Avena strigosa; Lolium multiflorum; moderate shading; silvopastoral systems; tree density
