Perfilhamento de capins sob sistemas de lotação contínua e lotação rotacionada

Abstract

The sustainability and productivity of beef and dairy cattle industries in Brazil are intrinsically dependent on the efficiency of pasture management. Tillering, the morphophysiological process that determines the density and persistence of a pasture, is the primary mechanism through which forage grasses respond to management practices. This literature review aimed to compare the effects of continuous and rotational stocking systems on the tillering dynamics of tropical grasses. Grazing management, through the frequency and intensity of defoliation, directly interferes with the quantity and quality of light reaching the plant base, nutrient availability, and the carbohydrate balance, which are factors that govern the activation of axillary buds and the subsequent emergence of new tillers. Studies have shown that rotational stocking, by allowing controlled rest periods, tends to promote a higher rate of tiller appearance and survival, resulting in denser and more resilient pastures, provided that the pre-grazing sward height is managed to prevent excessive shading. On the other hand, continuous stocking, when well-managed based on a constant and appropriate canopy height, can also sustain a stable tiller population, although often with smaller individuals. An in-depth understanding of tillering dynamics in each system is crucial for decision-making aimed at optimizing forage harvesting, maximizing animal performance, and ensuring the longevity of the pastoral ecosystem. The choice and success of a system depend less on the method itself and more on the correct application of its physiological principles.