REYES, F. et al. Effect of grazing pressure on the stability of the herbaceous stratum in a multi-strata system. []. , 37, 3, pp. 264-269. ISSN 0864-0394.

In order to determine the effect of grazing pressure on the stability of the herbaceous stratum, in a multi-strata system, three grazing pressures were evaluated: A) high: 25 kg DM/animal/day, B) moderate: 44 kg DM/animal/day and C) low: 64 kg DM/animal/day. The design was randomized blocks, with three replications. The area was divided into 42 paddocks per treatment, and the resting time was 57 and 65 days in the rainy and dry season, respectively. The multi-strata system was formed by the species Leucaena leucocephala, Neonotonia wightii, Teramnus labialis, Centrosema pubescens, Stylosanthes guianensis and Panicum maximum. In the rainy season there were significant differences in the total of legumes (p < 0,05) among the treatments in favor of the grazing pressures high and moderate, with values of 52,2 and 45,5 % of covered area, respectively. The legumes prevailed over the grasses, with values higher than 50 % at the end of the experiment; in addition, they were less invaded by weeds (12-13 %). It is concluded that flexible management, related to the carrying capacity, allowed the stability of the herbaceous stratum of the system during its exploitation; likewise, the high grazing pressure guaranteed the stability of the association.

: Grassland management; productivity.

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