Fluxo de biomassa da palma forrageira sob formas de plantio e frequência de colheita

Abstract

Forage cactus is an important food source for animals, especially in regions with irregular rainfall and little forage available during dry season of the year, when its productivity can be affected by several factors. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate of the growth ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ cactus pear subjected to planting methods and harvest frequency. A randomized block design, in a split-plot arrangement, with three replications, was used. Planting with not buried cladode were evaluated - wider side of cladode facing the ground; buried (45NS) - wider side of cladode in the north-south direction, inclination 45º in relation to the ground; and buried (90LO) - wider side of cladode in the east-west direction, inclination 90º in relation to the ground; at four harvest frequency (6, 12, 18 and 24 months). The width, perimeter and thickness of first-order cladodes did not vary as a function of planting management. A similar effect was observed for elongation, enlargement, perimeter growth and thickening rates of primary cladodes and plant. The thickness of first- order cladodes increased with harvest frequency. However, growth rates of first-order cladodes reduced with frequency of harvest. There was interaction between planting management and harvest frequency for length, width, perimeter, elongation rate, perimeter growth rate and thickening rate for second-order cladodes. Therefore, planting with not buried mother cladode can be used as an alternative to traditional methods of planting of ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ cactus pear.