PRODUCTION AND FORAGE QUALITY OF Cynodon plectostachyus IN SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEMS WITH Leucaena leucocephala

Abstract

Background. The productive variability of the forage is determined by the type of soil and the cultivation system. The use of silvopastoral systems represents an alternative because they can increase forage production and quality. Objective. To evaluate the production, the morphological components and the nutritional quality of the biomass of Cynodon plectostachyus (star grass) alone or in association with Leucaena leucocephala (huaxin). Methodology. The study was carried out in Tizimin, Yucatan, Mexico. Plots of C. plectostachyus were established in alleys croping of L. leucocephala and in monoculture, in hyperskeletal Luvisols and Leptosols soils. A 2 X 2 factorial design with five repetitions per treatment was used. The biomass production, the forage components and the content of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were evaluated for one year. Results. Forage production, leaf and forage quality did not change according to the cultivation system (p≥0.05). No effect is believed due to the type of soil (p≥0.05). The interaction of the cultivation system with the type of soil increased the NDF content of C. plectostachyus (p≤0.05). Implications. The association of C. plectostachyus and L. leucocephala could increase the availability of structural carbohydrates for ruminant nutrition. Likewise, it is essential to consider long-term evaluations that allow to know the improvements in the crude protein content and the biomass production of the grasses in association under silvopastoral systems. Conclusions. The association of C. plectostachyus with L. leucocephala in Leptosol soil increases the availability of structural carbohydrates by increasing the stem and dead tissue that can be incorporated as organic matter in the soil.