Dynamics of growth of Maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.), under conditions of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

We used a factorial randomized block with three replicates to determine the influence of the distance between rows (0.25 m, 0.50 m, and 1 m) and the amount of stakes planted rows (one or two) on the indicators of Pennisetum purpureum C.V. Maralfalfa grass growth under typical of the Ecuadorian Amazon, in plots of 30 m2, in uniform soil profile Inseptisol. Weekly, we determined the growth stage of the plants, at 120 days of planting a cut off of homogeneity, at 20 cm above the ground and determined the biomass yield of the grass structure and chemical composition was determined. The absolute growth rate was measured from week 5 to week 12 where growth declined. These changes are related to the growth stopping treatment applied before 12 weeks of age. The same trend relative growth records, with induction to decrease after the eighth week where at week 8 registered a growth of 5.8 cm, and from the twuelve week when the predominantly dry mass loss, with a greater accumulation of stems and dead material in grasslands.