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Abstract

A study was conducted to determine dry matter production and seasonal growth changes of four tropical legume forages: Kudzu [Pueraria phaseoloides, (Roxb) Benth], Centro (Centrosema pubescens, Benth), Desmoval (Desmodium ovalifolium, Guill et Perr) and Estilo [Stylosanthes guyanensis, (Abul) Swartz] Four cutting frequencies were used: 42, 64 and 84 days. Two hundreds kg of P₂O₅ and 100 K₂O/ha/year were applied. There were differences in dry matter content among species (P<.05). Desmoval had the highest dry matter content and although not different from Estilo, it was significantly higher than Kudzu and Centro. There were significant differences (P<.05) between years, and among species and cutting intervals. Dry matter yield for the first year was 140% higher than for the second one. Kudzu had the highest yields through all cutting intervals. Centro had the lowest. Dry matter yields at 63 days were higher than at 42 and 84 days. Dry matter yield during the dry season was 15% of that of the wet season. Kudzu was better than the other two species for the 42 and 84 day cutting interval, but was lower than Estilo at 63 day cutting interval, during the dry season. Also, Kudzu showed the best results during the rainy season. For all cutting intervals, Centro showed the lowest yields. Kudzu and Desmoval could be recommended for panamanian conditions based on their peristence and yields during the dry season. Any pasture management system should consider a more intensive utilization of these pastures during the rainy season.