Influence of the sampling distance on the agronomical indicators of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cuba CT-115

摘要

The influence of sampling distance (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 meters) on the agronomical indicators of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cuba CT-115, cultivated in a typical red ferrallitic soil without irrigation or fertilization was studied using a random block design with four replications. The experiment was developed during two years and samplings were practiced every 90 d. In both seasonal periods, plant height diflered (P < 0.001) between sampling distances, the same as the dry matter percentages of leaves, stems and the whole plant. Similar performance showed the leaf and stem contents. The highest (P < 0.001) DM yields were obtained in the highest sampling distances and varied between 0.39 - 2.01 and 0.13 - 1.48 kg for five and one meter, respectively. The number of sprouts/m showed the same performance ranging between 8.0 and 9.8 for the distance of five meters regarding to 2.25 - 2.59 for the distance of one meter. The best sampling distance was five meters, due to lower variability of the agronomical indicators and high representativeness. Similar studies with grasses of different growing habits as well as with legumes are recommended.