Managing "marandu" palisadegrass and calopo pastures based on light interception

Light interception (LI) in grazing management has been an efficient tool to harvest forage under similar growth stage conditions. The objective was to define the best grazing management strategies (GMSs) based on LI in marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha[Hochst. ex A. Rich.] R. Webster cv. Marandu) and calopo (Calopogonium mucunoidesDesv. cv. Comum) mixed pastures. Three GMSs were evaluated in a randomized block design: rest period interrupted at 90% (90LI), 95% (95LI) and 100% (100LI) of LI. The experimental period was divided into four periods: rainy seasons and transitions (between rainy and dry seasons). Post-grazing stubble height target was 15 cm. Canopy height, forage mass, leaf area index (LAI), morphogenic variables and tiller demographic pattern were evaluated. Pre- and post-grazing canopy height increased at 100LI. Pre-grazing forage mass decreased over time in all GMSs. The relationship among canopy height, forage mass and LI was not constant throughout the experiment. Post-grazing forage mass was greatest at 90LI. There was an increase in legume mass throughout the experiment; however, the proportion of legume in pre-grazing forage mass was no more than 6.6% for all GMSs. Number of calopo branches per plant and LAI increased throughout the experiment while the number of plants decreased. The 95LI provided the best conditions for calopo development; however, the LI as a tool to determine the entry of animals in mixed pastures of marandu palisadegrass and calopo should be carefully applied, considering the seasonal variations in canopy botanical and structural composition under similar LI.