Productivity and nutritive value of Tifton 85 bermudagrass inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense in association with nitrogen fertilization

Tifton 85 bermudagrass has been widely used in tropical and subtropical regions. Owing to its high forage yield, the fertilizer requirement of is also high. Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense an alternative reduce use nitrogen fertilizers decrease their environmental impact. However, effects inoculation grasses remain poorly understood. This study aimed evaluate productivity, pasture characteristics, nutritive value inoculated A. association fertilization. The evaluated four levels (0, 100, 200, 300 kg ha-1 ), uninoculated, under cutting conditions. experimental design was completely randomized, a factorial arrangement, two qualitative (inoculated or uninoculated) quantitative (nitrogen doses) three replications (24 plots). Botanical composition morphological leaf blade/stem+sheath ratio, value, yield were evaluated. increased ratio 85, but did not affect crude protein concentration, neutral detergent fiber content, total digestible nutrient content constituted by blades. concentration production corresponded linearly dose increase.