ALMEIDA, R. G. de

ASCH, F.

GIESE, M.

GLATZLE, S.

PEREIRA, M.

STURZ, S.

English

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Agroforestry - a trendsetting and long-lasting technology — PostersEffects of Shading and Soil Moisture on Brachiaria brizanthaBiomass in an Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry SystemSARAH GLATZLE1, MARCUS GIESE1, SABINE STÜRZ1, MARIANA PEREIRA1,ROBERTO G. ALMEIDA2, FOLKARD ASCH11University of Hohenheim, Inst. of Agric. Sci. in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute),Germany2EMBRAPA Beef Cattle, Integrated Production Systems, BrazilComponents of integrated production systems may compromise each other in compe-tition for resources such as water and light. A smart and sustainable management ofthese resources is key to an overall successful system performance but often basic in-formation are missing of how components and resources interact. This study analysedthe seasonal dynamics of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), soil moisture andgrass biomass for integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry (ICLF) demonstration plots inCampo Grande-MS, Brazil.Data were collected at three ICLF plots consisting of grass pasture (Brachiaria brizan-tha BRS cv. Piatã) lined with east-west orientated strips of 20m high Eucalyptustrees (Eucalyptus urograndis) in 22m distance. PAR (AccuPAR CP-80), soil mois-ture (DELTA T FDR) and grass biomass (moving cages) were sampled in each plot ina line of five sampling points between tree rows to represent the shading gradient.During rainy season (Dec–Feb) the PAR gradient was extremely high ranging fromon average 1300 μmol m−2 s−1 (centre positions) to only 180 μmol m−2 s−1 neartrees. In contrast due to lower inclination all points receive more or less the sameamount of PAR (500 μmol m−2 s−1) during dry season (Jun–Aug). For soil moisturewe measured a clear gradient from on average 29–32 Vol % at centre positions to 20–25 Vol % near the tree lines. Dry season revealed same pattern with on average 3–5Vol % lower values across the gradient. Biomass distribution showed a clear gradientas well with twice as much DM in centre positions for both seasons, while DM wasabout halved during dry season.Although we recorded a very high variation of PAR across the gradient between treesduring rainy season, soil water content appears dominant affecting grass biomassgrowth according to correlation analysis. This relation was not surprisingly tight-ened during dry season when soil moisture contents approach wilting points moreoften. However, differences in energy budgets across the gradient and seasons re-sulting from radiation inputs are tremendous and should be considered in follow upanalysis and management strategies of ICLF systems in relation to tree distances andheight.Keywords: Brazil, grass biomass, PAR, soil moistureContact Address: Sarah Glatzle, University of Hohenheim, Inst. of Agric. Sci. in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), Stuttgart, Germany, e-mail: sarah.glatzle@uni-hohenheim.deID 788 297

Effects of shading and soil moisture on brachiaria brizantha biomass in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system.

http://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/bitstream/doc/1118471/1/Effectsofshading.pdf

Effects of shading and soil moisture on brachiaria brizantha biomass in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system.

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