Tissue flow and agronomic performance of intercropped tropical-climate grasses grown in the semi-arid region

The intercropping between BRS Paiaguas (Bachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas) and BRS Tamani (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani) cultivars can ensure better utilisation of available abiotic resources, potentially promoting higher forage mass yield. The aim was to investigate the effect of BRS Tamani and BRS Paiaguas cultivars in different cropping systems (monoculture vs. intercropping) in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The experiment was designed with five treatments in randomised blocks, consisting of different proportions of an intercropping system composed of the cultivars mentioned: 100% Paiaguas; 75% Paiaguas and 25% Tamani; 50% Paiaguas and 50% Tamani; 25% Paiaguas and 75% Tamani; and 100% Tamani. The availability of forage mass and tissue flow was evaluated throughout the experimental period. There were differences in the total forage mass between the cultivation systems, with the highest values estimated in pastures with a consortium of 25% Paiaguas and 75% Tamani, 50% Paiaguas and 50% Tamani, and 75% Paiaguas and 25 Tamani, respectively. When there was lower participation of Tamani (25%), the Paiaguas cultivar had a longer leaf lifespan and phyllochron. To ensure balance in forage production in semi-arid regions, it is possible to recommend the implementation of intercropping with 50% Paiaguas and 50% Tamani.