Alvim et al., 1998. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 27 (5): 833-840

This experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of four nitrogen doses (0, 250, 500 and 750 kg/(ha•year) and six cutting intervals on c o a s t - c r o s s grass (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 weeks, during the rainy season, and 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 weeks, during the dry season). Potassium fertilization was performed according to a K2O/N ratio equal to 0.8. Annually, 80 kg/ha of P 2O5  were applied. Forage cuts were made at 5-7 cm above soil level. Irrigation was used through out the area, during the dry season. Data were analyzed as randomized block design in split-plot arrangement, with three replicates. In overall, annual and seasonal dry matter yields were increased with cutting interval (linear relationship) and amounts of nitrogen up to 500 kg/(ha•year), reaching 30.8 ton/(ha•year) (quadratic relationship). The nitrogen dose associated to 90% of the maximum annual yield (26.4 ton/[ha•year] of dry matter) in the cutting interval of six weeks, in rainy season, and eight weeks, in dry season, was 583 kg/(ha•year). Crude protein level increased as the amount of nitrogen dose increased, as well as with the shortening of the cutting interval, reaching the maximum of 23.4%. Regardless of cutting interval, coast-cross persistency were compromised with the absence of nitrogen fertilization or when 250 kg/ha of nitrogen was applied.