Nonstructural carbohydrates, total nitrogen and weight of roots in Coastcross-1 (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) grazed by sheep

The experiment was conducted from October 1997 to April 1998, to evaluate the nonstructural carbohydrates (SC). total nitrogen (TN) and roots weight, of the pasture of Coastcross - 1 (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers), under four levels of dry matter residue (DMR: 1978, 2130, 2545 and 3857 kg DM/ha), under continuous stocking (put and take). A completely randomized design, with two replications. was used. SC and TN contents were analysed on roots and stem base according to dry matter residue levels (DMR) and time (days) of sampling. SC in the roots and percentage of TN in the stem base were not influenced by levels of DMR and sampling period. The highest SC in the stem base was found in the residue of 2545 kg DM/ha, and was observed an adaptation to the pasture condictions as time progressed. SC was higher in the stem base compared with the roots. TN percentage in the roots decreased until the leavel of 2545 kg DM/ha. Dry matter production of roots increased as DMR increased, but declined as the sampling period progressed.