The Coastcross-1 growth index in relation to five nitrogen doses (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha.year) and two regrowth ages (28 and 42 days) were evaluated. Nitrogen doses were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme in a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. Nitrogen fertilization was performed in three applications right after the forage harvesting. Higher values for leaf/stem and leaf weight ratio were observed at 28-d regrowth, in comparison with the 42 days of regrowth. Linear reduction of leaf/stem ratio from 1.6 to 1.0 at 0 and 133 kg N/ha.harvest, respectively was observed. The specific leaf area of bermudagrass at 28-d regrowth resulted in increased leaf area ratio (from 10.3 to 20.8 m²/kg with the increase of 0 to 133 kg N/ha. Harvest). At the absence of N treatment, specific leaf rate was higher at 42-d (14.3 m²/kg) in relation to the 28-d of regrowth (8.6 m²/kg). Regrowth age and nitrogen fertilization modify the pattern of forage accumulation and the characteristics of Coastcross-1 pasture. During the summer, the Coastcross-1 grass pasture fertilized with the highest N-dose should be managed at a younger regrowth age (28-d).
Cynodon dactylon; fertilization; leaf area index; leaf
