Reduction of the Forage Seeds Physiological Quality by the Contact with Fertilizer in the Crop-Livestock Integration

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Brachiaria seed contact time with 05-25-15 fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O) on the seed’s physiological quality. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four replicates. Treatments were arranged in a 5x4 factorial, being: five seeds contact times with fertilizer (0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours); four forages: Marandu palisadegrass, Piatã palisadegrass, Xaraés palisadegrass and Ruziziensis grass. The performed tests were: water content, germination (first count and germination percentage), tetrazolium (viability), electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, sand emergency and emergence speed index. Contact time of 05-25-15 fertilizer with Brachiaria seeds reduces linearly: Germination, emergence and emergence speed index of Brachiaria seeds; Piatã and Xaraés palisadegrass seeds viability; vigor (electrical conductivity), except in Ruziziensis grass seeds; and seeds germination of Piatã palisadegrass submitted to accelerated aging test (vigor). Piatã palisadegrass is the least recommended, among the analyzed grasses, for intercropping in simultaneous sowing.