PRODUCTIVITY OF MOMBASA GRASS UNDER DIFFERENT DOSES OF PHOSPHORUS

Abstract

Phosphate fertilization supports the establishment of high-quality forage, leading to increased dry mass
production with enhanced nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different phosphorus
doses on the growth and dry matter accumulation of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus). The experiment was conducted at the Centro Agrotecnológico de Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, using a randomized block design. Treatments included 0%, 50%, 100%, and 150% of the recommended phosphorus dose (120 kg P₂O₅/ha). Nitrogen and potassium were applied according to recommendations. Forage accumulation data were collected in March, April, and June 2020. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS), with normality and homoscedasticity tests followed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Dry matter accumulation decreased over time, except for the control treatment, which showed no growth in March and similar levels thereafter. The highest cumulative yields were recorded with 180 and 120 kg P₂O₅/ha in March. In April, no significant differences were found between the 180, 120, and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha treatments. By June, all treatments showed similar forage accumulation due to lower temperature and humidity. The addition of phosphorus, even at 50% of the recommended dose, significantly increased forage accumulation, confirming its positive effect on biomass production.