Productive and bromatological quality of Clitoria ternatea association with Megathyrsus Maximus and Brachiaria decumbens under ecuadorian humid tropic conditions

Abstract

The objective was to determine the productive behavior and bromatological composition of Clitoria ternatea association with Megathyrsus maximus and Brachiaria decumbens. Eight plots (4×4 m) of two years of establishment were used, in a completely randomized design with 2×3 factorial arrangement (associations × regrowth ages: 80, 110 and 140 days). Root weight, total biomass, dry matter yield, leaf/stem ratio and bromatological composition were evaluated. There was significant interaction (P<0.05) association × age. The M. maximus + C. ternatea association at 140 days recorded the highest values: root weight (0.80 t.ha⁻¹), total biomass (5.98 t.ha⁻¹), total dry matter yield (2.27 t.ha⁻¹), leaves (0.91 t.ha⁻¹) and stems (1.30 t.ha⁻¹). Crude protein, hemicellulose and cell content decreased with maturity, while NDF, ADF, ADL and ash increased. Digestibility and metabolizable energy were higher at 80 days in M. maximus + C. ternatea (48.42%, 49.71% and 7.12 MJ.kg⁻¹, respectively). The population of bacteria, actinomycetes, P solubilizers and N fixers was higher in this association. It is concluded that the association with M. maximus shows better productive and nutritional behavior, also improving the chemical and microbiological properties of the soil.