This research was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition of elephantgrass cv. Napier in the whole plant (WP) (stem+leaf) and in the leaf blade of non-decapitated basal tillers (SF-NDBT) and leaf blade of decapitated basal tillers (SF-DBT), fertilized with different N doses (100, 200, 300, and 400 kg/ha/year of N) in an irrigated area (IA) and in a non-irrigated area (NIA). Treatments were analyzed in a randomized block design with three replicates. The CP concentrations were proportional to the N doses with greater CP concentration in the rainy season in fractions SF-NDBT and SF-DBT. Fertilizer residues of N doses applied in the rainy season, both in IA and NIA, increased CP concentration in the leaf blade of the two tiller categories, but did not affect NDF and ADF concentration. Irrigation increased concentration of NDF and ADF in SF-NDBT and SF-DBT and reduced it in the WP, with no effect on CP concentration.
fertilization; Pennisetum purpureum; tropical grass
