RESUMO A necessidade de entender o relacionamento entre variáveis dependentes faz da análise multivariada uma metodologia com grande potencial de aplicação em várias áreas do conhecimento. Objetivou-se ajustar e comparar os modelos não lineares univariados e multivariados de Gompertz e Logístico, utilizados na descrição dos caracteres produtivos de crotalária juncea (Crotalaria juncea L.). Foram realizados dois ensaios de uniformidade. Foram avaliados os caracteres produtivos: massa de matéria fresca de folha (MFF), massa de matéria fresca de caule (MFC) e massa de matéria fresca de parte aérea (MFPA), durante 94 dias, sendo avaliadas quatro plantas por dia, totalizando 376 plantas. Os modelos univariados de Gompertz e Logístico foram ajustados para cada caractere produtivo. Para o ajuste dos modelos multivariados, calculou-se a matriz de covariância dos erros. Obteve-se a matriz (fator de Cholesky) para cada caractere e foram gerados os modelos não lineares multivariados de Gompertz (GG), Logístico (LL) e a combinação de ambos os modelos (GL e LG). Para definição do melhor modelo, utilizou-se o desvio padrão residual (DPR), o coeficiente de determinação (R2), critério de informação de Akaike (AIC), desvio médio absoluto (DMA), medida de não linearidade intrínseca (LI) e medida de não linearidade paramétrica (LP). O modelo não linear multivariado LL foi adequado e obteve resultados satisfatórios para descrever os caracteres produtivos de crotalária juncea.

ABSTRACT Multivariate analysis helps to understand the relationships between dependent variables; this methodology has great potential in several areas of knowledge. The aim of this study was to adjust and compare the univariate and multivariate Gompertz and Logistic nonlinear models to describe the productive traits of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.). Two uniformity trials were performed, and the following productive traits were analyzed in 376 sunn hemp plants along 94 days of observations (four plants per day): the fresh mass of leaves (FML), the fresh mass of stem (FMS), and the fresh mass of the aerial parts (FMAP). The Gompertz and Logistic univariate models were adjusted for each productive trait. To adjust the multivariate models, the errors covariance matrix was calculated. The matrix (Cholesky factor) was obtained for each trait, and the multivariate Gompertz (GG) and Logistic (LL) nonlinear models were generated, together with the combination of both models (GL and LG). To define the best model, the residual standard deviation (RSD), the determination coefficient (R2), the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the mean absolute deviation (MAD), and the measures of intrinsic nonlinearity (INL) and parametric nonlinearity (PNL) were calculated. The nonlinear multivariate model LL was adequate and achieved satisfactory results to describe the productive traits of sunn hemp.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter of aerial part of dwarf pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), cultivar IAPAR 43 (Aratã), in scenarios formed by combinations of numbers of treatments, number of replications, and precision levels. The fresh matter of aerial part was weighed on basic experimental units of 1 m × 1 m in three uniformity trials with size of 24 m × 12 m (288 m2 in each trial). The soil heterogeneity index of Smith was estimated. Also, the optimum plot size was determined by Hatheway’s method in scenarios formed by combinations of i treatments (i = 5, 10, 15, and 20), r replications (r = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9, and 10), and d precision levels (d = 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%). In experiments designed on randomized block design with 5 to 20 treatments and four replications, plots with 9 m2 were enough to identify significant differences among treatments regarding the fresh matter of aerial part in dwarf pigeon pea at 5% probability of 30% of the experiment overall mean.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum plot size (Xo) and the number of replications to evaluate grain yield and verify the variability of Xo among oat cultivars. Thirtytwo uniformity trials of 3 × 3 m were performed, being 8 from each cultivar (URS Charrua, URS Taura, URS Estampa, and URS Corona). Each uniformity trial was divided in 36 basic experimental units (BEU) of 0.5 × 0.5 m. Grain yield was determined in each BEU. The Xo was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation model. Mean comparisons among cultivars were performed by the Scott-Knott test via bootstrap. The number of replications was calculated by an iterative process until convergence for experiments in completely randomized design (CRD) and randomized block design (RBD). Scenarios formed by i combinations (i = 3, 4, …, 50) treatments — with d least differences among treatment means to be detected as significant at 5% probability of type I error by Tukey test, expressed as a percentage of the overall experimental mean (d = 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45%) — were planned. The Xo of 1.57 m2 is enough to evaluate the grain yield in these 4 oat cultivars. Four replications to evaluate grain yield with up to 50 treatments in the experimental designs of CRD and RBD are enough to identify significant differences among treatment means of 40.53% of the overall experimental mean, by Tukey test at 5% probability of type I error.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this work were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions to evaluate the fresh matter weight of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in sowing densities. Fortyeight uniformity trials of 6 m × 6 m were conducted. Sixteen trials were evaluated in each sowing density (40, 60, and 80 kg∙ha−1). Each trial was divided into 36 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 m × 1 m, totaling 1,728 BEU. In each BEU, the fresh matter was weighed. The optimum plot size was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation model. The means were compared among sowing densities by the Scott-Knott’s test. The number of repetitions — for experiments with completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of i treatments (i = 3, 4, …, 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means being detected as significant with 5% probability by Tukey’s test, expressed in percentage of the experiment average (d = 10%, 11%, …, 20%), was determined by iterative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter weight of vetch is 4.52 m2 at the 3 sowing densities. Four repetitions, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are enough to identify as significant, at 5% probability by Tukey’s test, differences between treatment means of 29.15% of the experiment average.

The objective was to evaluate elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) pastures, under the agroecological and conventional systems, as forage mass and stocking rate. In the agroecological system, the elephant grass was established in rows spaced by 3.0 m from each other. During the cool season ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was established between these rows, which allowed the development of spontaneous growth species during the warm season. In the conventional system the elephant grass was established singularly in rows spaced 1.4 m from each other. Organic and chemical fertilizers were applied at 150 kg of N/ha/year with in the pastures under agroecological and conventional systems, respectively. Lactating Holstein cows which received 5.0 kg/day supplementary concentrate feed were used for evaluation. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (agroecological and conventional systems) two replications (paddocks) and independent evaluations (grazing cycles). The pastures were used during the whole year for the agroecological system and for 195 days in the conventional year. The average values of forage mass were 3.5 and 4.2 t/ha and the stocking rates were 2.08 and 3.23 AU/ha for the respective systems. The results suggest that the use of the elephant grass under the agroecological system allows for best distribution of forage and stocking rate to be more uniform throughout the year than the use of elephant grass in conventional system.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a massa, o teor de proteína bruta da forragem e a taxa de lotação em pastagens de capim elefante em dois sistemas de produção. No sistema convencional, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 1,2m. No sistema agroecológico, o capim foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 3m; no espaço entre as linhas, no período hibernal, foram semeados o azevém anual e o trevo vermelho e, no período estival, permitiu-se o desenvolvimento de espécies de crescimento espontâneo. Foram utilizados 150kg de N ha-1 com fertilizantes químico e orgânico para os respectivos sistemas forrageiros. Foram usadas vacas em lactação que receberam complementação à razão de 0,9% do peso vivo. Para determinação do teor de proteína bruta, foram retiradas amostras simulando o pastejo. Valores similares foram observados quanto à composição estrutural do capim elefante em ambos os sistemas. Durante o período experimental, foram conduzidos oito e sete pastejos para os respectivos sistemas. Os valores médios de massa de forragem de pré-pastejo e da taxa de lotação foram de 3,7 e 4,8t ha-1 e de 2,10 e 2,51UA ha-1 dia-1. A pastagem sob sistema agroecológico apresenta melhor distribuição de forragem ao longo do ano. Teores elevados de proteína bruta foram observados no período hibernal, em ambos os sistemas forrageiros.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage mass, crude protein and stocking rate on elephantgrass pastures in two production systems. In the conventional system elephantgrass was planted in rows 1,2m apart from each other. In the agroecological system elephant grass was planted in rows 3m apart from each other. In the space between alleys, in cool season, annual ryegrass and red clover were introduced; allowing the development of spontaneous growing species in the warm season. It was applied 150kg of N ha-1 with chemical and organic fertilizers in the respective pastures. Holstein cows receiving 0.9% of body weight complementary concentrate feed were used. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze crude protein. Similar value was found in the structural components of elephantgrass pastures in both pasture systems. Eight and seven grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period for respective systems. The average dry matter value for pre-grazing and stocking rate were 3.7 e 4.8t ha-1 and 2.10 e 2.51AU ha-1 day-1 for each respective systems. Agroecological system presents best forage distribution throughout the year. Higher values of crude protein of elephantgrass were observed in cool season in both systems.

Com esta pesquisa, objetivou-se avaliar o valor nutritivo e a composição química da forragem de leguminosas consorciadas com o capim elefante (CE) + espécies de crescimento espontâneo (ECE) + azevém anual (AZ) + amendoim forrageiro (AF), como tratamento T1; e CE + ECE + AZ + trevo vermelho (TV), como T2. O CE foi estabelecido em linhas afastadas a cada 4 m. O azevém anual foi estabelecido entre as linhas do CE durante o período hibernal; o TV foi semeado e o AF foi preservado. O experimento foi realizado entre outubro de 2009 e abril de 2010, sendo realizados seis pastejos. Foram coletadas amostras de forragem das leguminosas, simulando o pastejo, para determinação dos teores de matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), digestibilidade in situ da matéria orgânica (DISMO), fenóis totais (FT), taninos totais (TT) e taninos concentrados (TC). Os valores médios de MO, PB, FDN, DISMO, FT, TT e TC foram de 90,8; 20,96; 48,38; 86,68; 1,92; 1,42 e 1,39%; e de 91,84; 21,41; 41,36; 85,18; 1,90; 1,31 e 0,17% para o amendoim forrageiro e trevo vermelho, respectivamente. Valores superiores (p < 0,05) foram observados no teor de TC da forragem do amendoim forrageiro.

With this study, we aimed at evaluating the nutritional value and chemical composition of forage legume intercropping with elephant grass (EG) + spontaneous growth species (SGS) + annual ryegrass (AR) + peanut forage (PF), as treatment T1; and EG + SGS + AR + red clover (RD), as T2. The EG was planted in 4-m spaced rows. The annual ryegrass was planted between the EG rows during the cool season; the RC was sowed and the PF was preserved. The experiment was performed between October 2009 and April 2010, with six grazing cycles. Samples of forage legume was collected, under simulated the grazing, to determine the levels of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter in situ digestibility (OMISD), total phenols (TF), total tannins (TT), and condensed tannins (CT). The mean values of OM, CP, NDF, OMISD, TF, TT and TC were 90.8, 20.96, 48.38, 86.68, 1.92, 1.42 and 1.39%; and 91.84, 21.41, 41.36, 85.18, 1.90, 1.31 and 0.17% for peanut forage and red clover, respectively. Higher values (p < 0.05) were observed in the level of CT of peanut forage.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a produtividade e o valor nutritivo de dois sistemas forrageiros (SF) constituídos por capim elefante (CE), azevém (AZ), trevo branco (TB) e espécies de crescimento espontâneo (ECE), como SF1; e CE + AZ + amendoim forrageiro (AF) + ECE, como SF2. O CE foi estabelecido em linhas espaçadas a cada quatro metros. Entre elas, foi estabelecido azevém, durante o período hibernal, permitindo-se o desenvolvimento de ECE no período estival. Para avaliação, foram utilizadas vacas da raça Holandesa e o método de pastejo foi o rotacionado. Avaliaram-se a massa de forragem inicial (MFI) e a composição botânica e estrutural dos pastos. Para as estimativas de valor nutritivo, foram feitas amostragens simulando o pastejo e analisados a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), proteína bruta (PB), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e duas repetições, em parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Os valores médios de massa de forragem inicial e da carga animal foram similares entre os SF. Observou-se resultado superior para o teor médio de PB da forragem do SF2. O uso do azevém, das leguminosas e das espécies de crescimento espontâneo em consórcio com o CE permite manter massa de forragem uniforme no decorrer dos pastejos.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the productivity and nutritive value of two pasture-based systems (PS) with elephant grass (EG) + ryegrass (RG) + white clover (WC) + spontaneous growing species (SGS), for PS1; and EG + RG + forage peanut (FP) + SGS, for PS2. EG was established in rows spaced by four meters. Ryegrass was seeding in the space between rows during cool-season and development of SGS was permitted in the warm-season. Holstein cows under rotational grazing were used in the evaluation. The initial forage mass (IFM), the botanical composition and the structural components were evaluated. Samples from hand-plucking method were collected to analyze neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The experimental design used was completely randomized with two treatments, two repetitions in complete split-plot time. The mean values of initial forage mass and stocking rate were similar among PS. Superior results were found for mean of CP in PS2. The use of ryegrass, legumes and spontaneous growing species mixed to EG allow the forage mass to be uniform during the grazing pastures.

The objective of this research was to estimate three pasture-based systems mixed with elephantgrass + spontaneous growth species, annual ryegrass, for pasture-based system 1; elephantgrass + spontaneous growth species + forage peanut, for pasture-based system 2; and elephantgrass + spontaneous growth species + annual ryegrass + red clover, for pasture-based system 3. Elephantgrass was planted in rows 4 m apart from each other. During the cool-season, annual ryegrass was sown in the alleys between the rows of elephantgrass; forage peanut and red clover were sown in the alleys between the elephantgrass according to the respective treatment. The experimental design was totally randomized in the three treatments (pasture-based systems), two replicates (paddocks) in completely split-plot time (grazing cycles). Holstein cows receiving 5.5 kg-daily complementary concentrate feed were used in the evaluation. Pre-grazing forage mass, botanical composition and stocking rate were evaluated. Samples of simulated grazing were collected to analyze organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) and organic matter in situ digestibility (OMISD). Nine grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period (341 days). The average dry matter values for pre-grazing and stocking rate were 3.34; 3.46; 3.79 t/ha, and 3.28; 3.34; 3.60 AU/ha for each respective pasture-based system. Similar results were observed between the pasture-based systems for OM, NDF, CP and OMISD. Considering forage mass, stocking rate and nutritive value, the pasture-based system intercropped with forage legumes presented better performance.

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de avaliar a precocidade, a produtividade e as características do dossel de 12 genótipos de seis espécies de cereais de inverno de duplo propósito (forragem e grãos) submetidos ao corte na região da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul. As espécies e os genótipos testados foram: trigo BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumã, BRS Umbu; aveia-preta Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha e Comum; aveia-branca UPF 18; centeio BR 1 e BRS Serrano; Cevada BRS Marciana; e triticale BRS 148. Os genótipos foram distribuídos em 36 parcelas experimentais, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 12 tratamentos, três repetições e medidas repetidas no tempo. As variáveis estudadas foram massa de forragem, composição botânica e estrutural, produção de forragem e de grãos. Os genótipos mais precoces para produção de forragem foram o centeio BR 1 e o triticale BRS 148. O trigo BRS Tarumã apresentou maior produção de forragem e de lâminas foliares e o trigo BRS Umbu maior produção de grãos e peso do hectolitro. Entre os genótipos avaliados, o trigo BRS Tarumã é o mais indicado para duplo propósito na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul.

The objective of this research was to evaluate early growth, yield and canopy characteristics of 12 genotypes of six species of winter cereals with double purpose (forage and grains) submitted to harvest at Depressão Central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, South Region of Brazil. Species and genotypes tested were: BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumã and BRS Umbu wheat; Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and Commom black-oat; UPF 18 white-oat; BR 1 and BRS Serrano rye; BRS Marciana barley; and BRS 148 triticale. The genotypes were distributed in 36 experimental plots, in a completely randomized design with 12 treatments, three replications and repeated measure. Studied variables were herbage mass, botanical and structural composition, forage and grains production. The earliest genotypes for forage production were BR 1 rye and BRS 148 triticale. BRS Tarumã wheat presented higher forage and leaf blade production. BRS Umbu wheat presented higher grains yield and hectoliter weight. Among the genotypes evaluated, BRS Tarumã wheat is the most suitable for double purpose in Depressão Central region of Rio Grande do Sul state.

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo da forragem de 12 genótipos de seis espécies de cereais de inverno de duplo propósito (forragem e grãos), submetidos ao corte, na região da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul. As espécies e genótipos testados foram: trigo (BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumã, BRS Umbu); aveia-preta (Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha e Comum); aveia-branca (UPF 18); centeio (BR 1 e BRS Serrano); Cevada (BRS Marciana) e triticale (BRS 148).Os genótipos foram distribuídos em 36 parcelas experimentais, num delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 12 tratamentos e três repetições. As análises de valor nutritivo e composição mineral foram feitas pelo método da reflectância do infravermelho proximal (NIRS), em amostras do estrato superior a 10 cm de altura da forragem. Os genótipos de aveia e o trigo BRS Umbu apresentaram os melhores resultados de valor nutritivo. A composição mineral apresentou pequena variabilidade entre os genótipos testados. Os resultados demonstram que os cereais de inverno produzem forragem de elevado valor nutritivo.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value of the forage of 12 genotypes of six double purpose (forage and grains) winter cereal species submitted to harvest in the region of Depressão Central in Rio Grande do Sul state. The species and genotypes tested were: wheat (BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumã and BRS Umbu); black oat (Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and Commom black-oat); white-oat (UPF 18); rye (BR 1 and BRS Serrano); barley (BRS Marciana); and triticale (BRS 148). The genotypes were distributed in 36 experimental plots in completely randomized experimental design, with 12 treatments and three replications. Analysis of nutritive value and mineral composition were performed by the near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in samples of stratum greater than 10 cm height of forage. Oat genotypes and BRS Umbu wheat presented the best nutritive value results. Mineral composition presented small variability among the genotypes tested. The results demonstrate that winter cereals produce high nutritive value forage.