Response of Urochloa mosambicensis genotypes to phosphorus fertilization in soil with low phosphorus levels

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is one of the main nutrients capable of increasing yields of tropical grasses. The definition of adequate P fertilizer rates can contribute to improving forage production of pastures. However, the efficiency in the response of different genotypes of Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) Dandy (Bushveld herringbone grass) to P fertilizer rates is not known. This study aimed to quantify the response of U. mosambicensis genotypes to P fertilizer levels and classify the genotypes as to efficiency and responsiveness. The experiment was carried out in pots, under controlled conditions, in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 9 factorial with five replications. The factors consisted of equivalent P rates of 10 and 90 kg ha-1 of P2O5 (triple superphosphate) and eight genotypes of U. mosambicensis (UmCO-1 (2), UmCO-2 (2), UmCO-4 (1), UmCO-8 (1), UmCO-11 (2), UmCO-12 (2), UmCO-13 (2) and UmCO-14 (2)), in addition to a control, Urochloa brizantha syn. Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. Each experimental unit consisted of one pot. Biometric attributes and dry mass yield were evaluated over four cutting cycles. There was no effect of the P fertilization x genotypes interaction for the variables evaluated. However, the highest fertilizer rate increased dry mass yield and tiller population density in all genotypes and cuttings evaluated. The genotype UmCO-4 (1) and the cultivar BRS Piatã proved to be responsive to and efficient in P use. The highest P rate promoted greatest production of dry mass and greatest number of tillers in all genotypes of U. mosambicensis. Resumo O fósforo (P) é um dos principais nutrientes capazes de aumentar a produtividade de gramíneas tropicais. A definição de doses de P pode contribuir para aumentar a produção de forragem em pastagens cultivadas. Todavia não se conhece a eficiência na resposta de diferentes genótipos de capim-corrente (Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) Dandy) a doses de P. Este estudo objetivou quantificar a resposta de genótipos de capim-corrente a níveis de adubação com P e classificá-los segundo a sua eficiência e responsividade. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, em condições controladas, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, num esquema fatorial 2 x 9, com cinco repetições. Os fatores consistiram de doses equivalentes de P de 10 e 90 kg ha-1 de P2O5 (superfosfato triplo) e oito genótipos de U. mosambicensis (UmCO1 (2), UmCO-2 (2), UmCO-4 (1), UmCO-8 (1), UmCO-11 (2), UmCO-12 (2), UmCO-13 (2) e