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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Nitrogen fertilizer increased litter deposition and litter N in warm-climate grasslands

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Author(s):
Longhini, Vanessa Z. [1] ; Cardoso, Abmael S. [1] ; Berca, Andressa S. [1] ; Carvalho, Isabel N. O. [2] ; Boddey, Robert M. [2] ; Reis, Ricardo A. [1] ; Dubeux, Jr., Jose C. B. [3] ; Ruggieri, Ana C. [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Anim Sci, Via Acesso Prof Paulo Donato Castellane, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
[2] Embrapa Agrobiol, Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, BR-23891000 Seropedica, RJ - Brazil
[3] Univ Florida, North Florida Res & Educ Ctr, Marianna, FL 32446 - USA
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS; v. 119, n. 2 JAN 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

In warm-climate grasslands, litter deposition and decomposition are one of the main pathway of nutrient cycling. The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer or the inclusion of a legume in such grasslands modifies litter characteristics and chemical composition. This study evaluated how the N supply of palisadegrass {[}Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] pastures affect litter characteristics two years after seeding. Treatments were palisadegrass fertilized or not with N (150 or 0 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)) or mixed with the legume forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo). The experimental period covered two consecutive rainy seasons. Nitrogen fertilization increased by 43 and 62% the existing litter mass (organic matter, OM), and by 32 and 23% the litter deposition rate compared to unfertilized palisadegrass or legume-grass mixtures, respectively. Both variables were affected by grazing cycle (GC), with low litter deposition rate (14 kg ha(-1) d(-1) OM) and existing litter mass (1390 kg ha(-1) OM) in the GC4 due to low rainfall. Nitrogen fertilized palisadegrass had greater litter N concentration (7.9 +/- 0.4 g kg(-1) OM-C:N ratio 34 +/- 2) than in monoculture or legume-grass mixtures (C:N ratios 45 and 58 +/- 2, respectively). Our results indicated that N fertilization of palisadegrass increased litter accumulation, however, N fertilization was not a key driver of the litter decomposition rate, even though it increased litter N concentration. After 2 years of establishment, the proportion of forage peanut in the litter was still low, reducing the benefits of legume inclusion to enhance litter nutrient cycling in these pastures. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/11086-1 - Mitigation of greenhouse gases in pastures Marandu Grass managed with legumes or nitrogen fertilizer
Grantee:Vanessa Zirondi Longhini
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 17/11274-5 - Decomposition of litter and greenhouse gases emission in Brachiaria grasses with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates
Grantee:Abmael da Silva Cardoso
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 15/16631-5 - Management strategies to reduce environmental impacts of beef cattle production systems
Grantee:Ricardo Andrade Reis
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants