Ciencias Agrarias/ Agricultural Sciences

Revista Ciencia y Tecnología (2025) 18(1) p 41 - 47 ISSN 1390-4051; e-ISSN 1390-4043 https://doi.org/10.18779/cyt.v18i1.976

Agronomic behavior and chemical composition of three varieties of grasses at dierent harvest ages

Comportamiento agronómico y composición química de tres variedades de pastos en diferentes edades de cosecha

Ronald Roberto Cabezas Congo

, Adrián Steward Peralta Olivo

, Bryan René Gómez Meza

Ronald Oswaldo Villamar-Torres

, Seyed Mehdi Jazayeri

Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias y Biológicas, Quevedo, Ecuador.

Université d´Avignon et des Pays du Vaucluse, France.

Autor de correspondencia: rcabezas@uteq.edu.ec

Recibido: 03/09/2024. Aceptado: 20/12/2024

Publicado el 15 de enero de 2025

Abstract

he study investigated the impact of age (E) and variety

(V) on several plant characteristics, including plant

height (AP) in centimeters, forage biomass (FB) in kilograms

of dry matter per hectare, stem weight (PT), leaf number

(LH), leaf area (LA), leaf-stem ratio (LSR), and the chemical

composition of three grass species: Axonopus micay,

Axonopus scoparius, and Melinis minutiora. The grasses

were harvested at ve dierent stages of maturity (30, 45,

60, 75, and 90 days). A randomized complete block design

with a factorial arrangement (3 x 5) was employed, resulting

in a total of 75 plots. Notably, the purple Gramalote grass

(Axonopus scoparius) outperformed the other varieties in

terms of AP, PT, LH, AH, PH, and H:T ratio, with specic

measurements of 168,46 cm, 97,24 g, 64,02 cm, 3,72 cm,

32,39 g, and 0,37, respectively. Additionally, at 90 days, the

highest values were observed for AP (138,83 cm), PT (58,96

g), LH (41,74 cm), AH (2,94 cm), PH (15,69 g), and biomass

(1 682,5 kg MS ha-1). Furthermore, the dry matter content

(%) of the purple Gramalote grass (33,16) exceeded that of

the Gordura grass (32,38) and Micay grass (21,97). In terms of

ash and crude protein content, the Gramalote morado variety

exhibited higher values (9,65 and 9,09 respectively).

Keywords: Axonopus micay, Axonopus scoparius, Melinis

minutiora, cutting age, variety, forage.

Resumen

l estudio investigó el impacto de la edad (E) y la variedad

(V) en varias características de la planta, incluida la altura

de la planta (AP) en centímetros, la biomasa del forraje (FB)

en kilogramos de materia seca por hectárea, el peso del tallo

(PT), el número de hojas. (LH), área foliar (LA), relación

hoja-tallo (LSR) y la composición química de tres especies de

gramíneas: Axonopus micay, Axonopus scoparius y Melinis

minutiora. Los pastos se cosecharon en cinco estados

diferentes de madurez (30, 45, 60, 75 y 90 días). Se empleó

un diseño de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial

(3 x 5), resultando un total de 75 parcelas. Cabe destacar que

el pasto Gramalote morado (Axonopus scoparius) superó a las

demás variedades en cuanto a AP, PT, LH, AH, PH y relación

H:T, con medidas especícas de 168,46 cm, 97,24 g, 64,02

cm, 3,72 cm, 32,39 g y 0,37, respectivamente. Además, a los

90 días, los valores más altos se observaron para AP (138,83

cm), PT (58,96 g), LH (41,74 cm), AH (2,94 cm), PH (15,69

g ), y biomasa (1 682,5 kg MS ha-1). Además, el contenido de

materia seca (%) del pasto Gramalote morado (33,16) superó

al del pasto Gordura (32,38) y al pasto Micay (21,97). En

cuanto al contenido de cenizas y proteína cruda, la variedad

Gramalote morado presentó valores más altos (9,65 y 9,09

respectivamente).

Palabras clave: Axonopus micay, Axonopus scoparius,

Melinis minutiora, edad de corte, variedad, forraje.

Cabezas et al., 2025

2025. 18(1):41-47

Ciencia y Tecnología.42

Introduction

On the Ecuadorian coast, livestock systems rely on dual-

purpose approaches. These systems primarily utilize forage as

the main source of food for the animals. The forage consists

of numerous grazing and cutting grasses, which are abundant

during the rainy season but scarce during the dry season. In

Ecuador, the total surface area dedicated to pastures exceeds

that of any other crop. Within this agricultural land of 5

381,383 has, cultivated pastures cover 42,68%, while natural

pastures account for 14,85%. When considering only pasture

areas, the proportion becomes 73% cultivated pastures and

27% natural pastures. Additionally, across the entire national

surface with pastures, 56.64% corresponds to the Coastal

Region, 28,43% to the Sierra Region, and 14,94% to the

Eastern Region and Undelimited Zones. Notably, the key

pastures in Ecuador, based on area, include Saboya (1 147,091

has), other pastures (639,915 has), Honey grass (182,532

has), Gramalote (167,519 has), Brachiaria (132,973 has), and

Raigrás (104,475 has) (León et al., 2022).

Axonopus scoparius, commonly known as carpet grass,

is a perennial grass species. It typically grows to a height

of 0,6–2 meters, forming tufts with succulent stems. This

grass is often used in the rope grazing system, where animals

remain in an assigned area until all the forage is consumed,

after which they are moved to a dierent location (Parra

et al., 2023; Huebla Concha et al., 2021; Lajús et al., 2014).

Its species grow mainly below 1,000 m altitude, although

some species can reach 3,000 m. Livestock readily accept

Axonopus scoparius, especially when it is in its tender state.

The nutritional value of this grass depends on its growth

stage (Giraldo-Cañas, 2014). Unlike some other grasses, it

does not produce roots at the nodes. The spike of A. scoparius

resembles that of imperial grass, but it has a greater number

of spikelets. This species thrives in areas situated between

400 and 2 200 meters above sea level, with an annual rainfall

ranging from 1 000 to 4 000 mm and an average temperature

around 20 °C The spike of A. scoparius resembles that of

imperial grass, but it has a greater number of spikelets. This

species thrives in areas situated between 400 and 2 200 meters

above sea level, with an annual rainfall ranging from 1 000

to 4 000 mm and an average temperature around 20 °C (Saha

et al., 2024 ; Velasco et al., 2023). In summary, A. scoparius is

a valuable forage grass, particularly in humid tropical regions.

Its succulent stems and nutritional quality make it a preferred

choice for livestock grazing.

According to León et al. (2022) , Gordura grass (Melinis

minutiora) exhibits the following characteristics: The stems

and leaves of Gordura grass are pubescent, covered with tiny

hairs. When touched, it feels viscous and gives the sensation

of being resinous. It grows to a medium height and forms

compact bushes. Abundant basal stems extend from the

crowns. Gordura grass can reach a height of 90 – 150 cm.

It is suitable for grazing. It can be hayed and ensiled. When

cutting, aim for 5 or more cuts per year. Avoid cutting below

10 cm or during the dry season, as insucient humidity

may lead to the loss of many bushes. Gordura grass, with its

unique properties, serves as a valuable resource for various

agricultural practices (Ortiz Pilacuan, 20152015; Motta-

Delgado et al., 2019 ; Andrade-Yucailla et al., 2016).

Currently, this plant is widely distributed in fertile

and well-drained soils, thrives in poor soils and grows at

altitudes between 200 and 2,500 meters above sea level in

warm and temperate climates. (Vacacela Ajila et al., 2023).

Most livestock farmers are unaware of the agronomic

behavior and chemical composition of grasses at dierent

stages of maturity. Consequently, they do not treat grasses

as crops that require cultural and phytosanitary practices,

resulting in underutilization of their full production potential

(Motta-Delgado et al., 2019). Recognizing the importance

of understanding tropical forage species, this study aims to

evaluate the agronomic behavior and nutritional quality of

three grasses: A. micay, A. scoparius, and Melinis minutiora.

This investigation will shed light on growth patterns and

chemical composition, providing valuable insights for

eective agronomic management of these grasses. Farmers

engaged in forage grass production can benet from this

knowledge to optimize their practices and enhance overall

productivity.

Materials and methods

Location of the experiment

The research was conducted at the San Lorenzo Technical

Educational Unit School in the San Lorenzo - Esmeraldas

canton, as well as at km 12 via Ibarra, San Lorenzo -

Esmeraldas canton. This location is situated to the north of the

Esmeraldas province, with geographical coordinates at WGS

84: Latitude S 1° 28’ 33” and Longitude W -78° 83’ 33”. The

investigation spanned ve months, from June to November

2014. The altitude of the area is 785 meters above sea level,

and the average temperature during the study period was 23

°C.

Annual precipitation in the region amounted to 1 800,70

mm/year, with the rainy season occurring from December to

April. The soil in the experimental area is classied as loam.

Prior to sowing pastures, a chemical analysis of the soil

revealed the following results as shown in Table 1.

Study distribution, experimental design and statistical

analysis

For this study, 25 experimental plots measuring 3 x 4 m

were established for each pasture, resulting in a total of 75

experimental plots. We evaluated the agronomic behavior and

chemical composition of three grass species: Micay Grass (A.

micay), Gramalote Morado (A. scoparius), and Gordura Grass

(M. minutiora). These evaluations were conducted at ve

dierent harvest ages (maturity stages): 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90

2025. 18(1): 41-47 Ciencia y Tecnología. 43

Agronomic behavior and chemical composition of three varieties of grasses at dierent harvest ages

days. The experimental design employed was a Randomized

Complete Block Design (DBCA) with a factorial arrangement

(3 x 5). Statistical analysis of the results was performed using

the SAS 201 software.

Table 1. Chemical analysis of the soil of the localities at

the beginning of the study

Parameters Worth Interpretation

pH 5,02

Moderately

Acid

Nitrogen ppm 38,12 Half

Phosphorus ppm 2,56 Low

Potassium meq/100 m L 0,26 Half

Ca meq/100 m L 4,36 Half

Mg meq/100 m L 1,83 Half

S ppm 8,01 Half

Zn ppm 2,88 Low

Cu ppm 0,86 Low

Fe ppm 198,3 Half

Mn ppm 51,34 High

B ppm 0,53 High

M.O (%) 3,58 Half

Ca/Mg 2,38 Optimum

Mg/K 7,04 Optimum

Ca+Mg/K 23,81 Half

Note. (Ortiz Pilacuan, 2015).

Variables evaluated

Plant height (measured in centimeters) was determined by

using a tape measure. The measurement started from ground

level and extended to the beginning of the last shoot of ve

randomly selected plants within each plot, per treatment and

cutting frequency. Additionally: The number of leaves and

number of stems were counted for all ve plants in each

experimental unit, and the average value was recorded.

The yield (expressed in kilograms of dry matter per hectare)

was calculated based on the dry weight of leaves and stems.

These plant parts were dried in a forced air oven at 65 °C for

48 hours. To determine the leaf-stem ratio, the dried leaves

and stems were individually weighed using an analytical

balance.

Results and discussion

Variety eect

In the study of various grass varieties, the plant height (cm)

showed signicant statistical dierences. Specically, the

Gramalote Morado species (A. scoparius) achieved the greatest

height (168,46 cm), surpassing the Micay grass (A. micay)

and Gordura grass (M. minutiora) which reached heights of

121,97 cm and 95,12 cm, respectively. This variation can be

attributed to the distinct growth habits of these species. The

Gramalote Morado grass forms dense bushes with numerous

erect, leafy, unbranched, and succulent stems that contribute

to its taller stature. These stems typically reach heights

between 80 cm and 150 cm and have an elliptical cross-

section. Additionally, the Gramalote Morado grass exhibits

broad leaves measuring 40-60 cm in length (León et al.,

2022). Furthermore, when considering stem weight (measured

in grams), the Gramalote Morado grass (97,24 g) signicantly

(p<0,05) outweighed the Micay grass (28,66 g) and Gordura

grass (13,55 g) as shown in Table 2. Researchers have noted

that the Gramalote Morado grass’s stems are unbranched

and contribute to its robust weight (León et al., 2022; Arias

Hernandez y Delgado Floreano, 2022).

In terms of leaf characteristics, the Gramalote Morado

grass also excelled as it forms numerous erect, leafy,

unbranched stems that reach heights of 80-150 cm. It had

the longest leaf length (64,02 cm) and the widest leaf width

(3,72 cm), followed by the Micay Grass (37,98 cm and 2,48

cm, respectively) and Pasto Gordura (21,85 cm and 2,54 cm,

respectively) (Table 2). These ndings highlight the diversity

in growth patterns and physical attributes among the studied

grass varieties.

Table 2. Eect of the varieties on the agronomic behavior of the three grasses

Varieties

Eect of varieties

Micay pasture Purple Gramalote Gordura pasture EEM

Height (cm) 121,97 b 168,46 a 95,12 c 0,34

Stem Weight (g) 28,66 b 97,24 a 13,55 c 0,16

Blade length (cm) 37,98 b 64,02 a 21,85 c 0,23

Blade width (cm) 2,48 b 3,72 a 2,54 b 0,05

Blade weight (g) 6,37 b 32,39 c 3,94 a 0,11

Biomass (kg MS ha-1) 1 454,16 b 1 420,00 b 1 041,66 a 0,15

Leaf stem ratio (g) 0,22 c 0,37 a 0,28 b 1,03

Averages in each row with equal letters do not dier statistically (Tukey p≤0,05).

Cabezas et al., 2025

2025. 18(1):41-47

Ciencia y Tecnología.44

According to the research by (Murillo I. et al., 2012), the

gramalote is a perennial crop characterized by its dense, bushy

growth habit. It forms large clumps and can reach a height of

1-1,5 meters. The leaves of gramalote are wide, pubescent,

and have a blunt tip. Furthermore, the leaf weight (measured

in grams) of the Gramalote Morado grass was signicantly

greater (p<0,05) compared to that of the Micay grass and

Gordura grass. Specically, it was 32,39 g for Gramalote

Morado, 6,37 g for Micay grass and 3,94 g for Gordura grass.

In terms of forage biomass (kg MS ha-1), Micay grass

(1 454,16) exhibited signicantly higher values (p<0,05)

compared to Gramalote morado grass (1 420,00) and Gordura

grass (1 041,66), as indicated in Table 2. Additionally, Arias

Hernandez y Delgado Floreano (2022) y Benítez et al.

(2017) reported that gramalote, when grown in alluvial soils

with a medium climate and without fertilization, produces

approximately 12 to 14 t/has of dry matter per year. However,

with maintenance fertilization (100 kg/has of 𝑃

𝑂

and 50 kg/

ha of 𝐾

𝑂 annually) and 50 kg/has of nitrogen after each cut,

gramalote can yield 20 to 22 t/ha of dry matter. Furthermore,

the best leaf/stem ratio (Nº/N°), was observed in the following

order: Gramalote Morado grass (0,37), Gordura Grass (0,28),

and Micay Grass (0,22), as shown in Table 2. This ratio

provides insights into the relative proportions of leaves and

stems in these grass species.

Eect of harvest age

At 90 days, the highest values were observed (p<0,05) in

various parameters for the grasses (Table3). These values

include: Plant height: 138,83 cm, Stem weight: 58,96 g, Leaf

length: 41,74 cm, Leaf width: 2,94 cm, Leaf weight: 15,69 g,

Biomass: 1 682,5 kg DM ha-1. In the leaf-stem relationship,

the highest value (p<0,05) occurred at 30 days (0,35). This

nding aligns with (Luna et al., 2015)the agronomic response

of three varieties of Brachiaria (B. decumbens; B. brizantha

and B. hybrid cultivar cv. Mulato (CIAT 36061, who observed

increased values in plant height (98,57 cm), number of leaves

(774,84), and number of stems (162,51) as grass age increased

to 63 days. Authors León et al. (2022) y Ortega Mejía (2022);

Valles de la Mora et al. (2016) emphasized that regrowth

age signicantly inuences pasture growth and quality.

Longer regrowth periods lead to higher performance but may

compromise quality. Frequent defoliations are often preferred

to maintain grasses with superior nutritional value.

Regarding hay dry matter content (%), the purple

Gramalote grass exhibited higher values (33,16) compared

to Gordura grass (32,38) and Micay grass (21,97) Arias

Hernandez y Delgado Floreano (2022); Velasco et al. (2023)

due to the country’s topography, cattle farmers have a choice

of the best pasture for their production. The pastures in eastern

Ecuador are generally of the following types AXONOPUS

SCOPARIUS (AS reported lower dry matter results (13,15)

for purple gramalote grass in a study on growth rate and

chemical analysis of elephant grass and purple gramalote. In

terms of ash and crude protein, the Gramalote morado variety

surpassed Pasto Gordura and Micay. As shown in Table 3,

they were ash content for Gramalote morado (9,65) compared

to Pasto Gordura (9,46) and Micay (8,50) and crude protein

as Gramalote morado (9,09) compared to Pasto Gordura

(6,95) and Micay (7,22). These results coincide with (Arias

Hernandez y Delgado Floreano, 2022) who recorded higher

values in the purple gramalote grass in both ash and crude

protein (12,10; 15,26 respectively).

Eect of varieties and harvest age on chemical composition

The highest percentage of crude protein was recorded by the

Gramalote morado grass with 9,09% followed by Gordura

grass with 6,95% and nally the Micay grass with 7,22%. The

ethereal extract percentage was signicantly higher (p<0,05)

for Micay grass 1,83%, surpassing that of Gramalote morado

grass 1,36% and Gordura grass 1,26%. In a study by Arias

Hernandez y Delgado Floreano (2022); Maderero (2019),

higher values were recorded for the ethereal extract in the

purple Gramalote grass 2,90%. This dierence is likely due

to the lignication of the stem present in the integral sample.

Regarding gross energy (kcal g-1), Micay grass exhibited

higher values 3,57 compared to Gordura grass 3,56 and

Gramalote morado grass 3,45 (as shown in Table 4).

Table 3. Eect of harvest age on the agronomic behavior of the three pastures

Variables

Eect of harvest ages

30 45 60 75 90 EEM

Height (cm) 109,14 d 122,89 c 134,29 b 137,43 a 138,83 a 0,44

Stem Weight (g) 32,78 d 40,61 c 41,95 b 58,11 a 58,96 a 0,21

Blade length (cm) 39,45 a 40,72 ab 42,03 c 42,48 c 41,74 bc 0,29

Blade width (cm) 2,88 a 2,97 a 2,88 a 2,91 a 2,94 a 0,07

Blade weight (g) 13,43 a 13,58 a 13,16 a 15,32 b 15,69 b 0,14

Biomass (kg MS ha

-1

) 791,66 a 1 097,50 b 1 426,66 c 1 529,16d 1 682,5 e 0,19

Leaf stem ratio (g) 0,35 a 0,31 b 0,28 c 0,26 d 0,26 d 1,07

Averages in each row with equal letters do not dier statistically (Tukey p≤0,05).

2025. 18(1): 41-47 Ciencia y Tecnología. 45

Agronomic behavior and chemical composition of three varieties of grasses at dierent harvest ages

Table 4. Eect of the varieties on the chemical composition of the grasses under study

Variables Micay Purple Gramalote Gordura pasture EEM

Total humidity (%) 78,59 b 67,66 a 68,10 a 0,18

Dry material (%) 21,97 b 33,16 a 32,38 a 0,21

Ash (%) 8,50 a 9,65 b 9,46 b 0,09

Crude Protein (%) 7,22 b 9,09 a 6,95 b 0,09

Crude ber (%) 38,07 b 37,54 a 37,20 a 0,13

Ethereal extract (%) 1,83 a 1,36 b 1,26 b 0,04

Gross energy (kcal g

-1

) 3,57 b 3,45 a 3,56 b 0,03

Averages in each row with equal letters do not dier statistically (Tukey p≤0,05).

Table 5. Eect of harvest age on the chemical composition of the grasses under study

Variables

Eect of harvest ages

30 45 60 75 90 EEM

Total humidity (%) 66,68 a 72,51 bc 72,92 c 71,73 b 73,40 c 0,23

Dry material (%) 33,87 a 27,77 bc 27,60 c 28,88 b 27,72 bc 0,27

Ash (%) 8,94 b 9,00 b 10,48 d 9,55 c 8,04 a 0,11

Crude Protein (%) 8,21 a 7,66 b 7,90 ab 7,14 b 6,83 c 0,12

Crude ber (%) 34,99 a 35,40 a 36,84 b 37,88 c 42,90 d 0,16

Ethereal extract (%) 1,69 a 1,65 a 1,81 a 1,30 b 0,97 c 0,05

Gross energy (kcal g

-1

) 3,56 a 3,58 a 3,56 a 3,49 a 3,45 a 0,03

Averages in each row with equal letters do not dier statistically (Tukey p≤0.05).

At 30 days, the protein content reached its highest level

at 8,21%. However, as the grasses aged, the protein content

declined: 7,66% at 45 days, 7,90% at 60 days, 7,14% at 75

days, and 6,83% at 90 days. This trend aligns with previous

studies by Avellaneda et al. (2008) root longitude (cm and

Khuliso et al. (2019), which also observed a decrease in

protein content as grass age increased. The decline in protein

is attributed to reduced metabolic activity in the grasses during

regrowth. Additionally, the ash content during the 60-day

period was highly signicant (p<0,05) at 10,48%. However,

this value gradually decreased to 9,55% at day 75 and 8,04%

at day 90 (Table 5).

Continuing, the ber content exhibits signicant dierences

(p<0,05) across various time points: 90 days (42,90), 75 days

(37,88), 60 days (36,84), and 45 days (35,40), as compared

to day 30 (34,99) (Table 5). Additionally, the highest content

of ether extract (p<0,05) was observed at 60 days (1,81), in

contrast to ages 30, 45, 75, and 90 days (1,69, 1,65, 1,30, and

0,97, respectively). In a study by (Arias Hernandez y Delgado

Floreano, 2022), the purple Gramalote grass exhibited the

highest levels of ber (37,20%) and ethereal extract (2,96%)

at 6 days. Gross energy did not show signicant dierences

(p>0,05), but the highest energy percentage was obtained at

45 days (3,58), followed by 30 days (3,56), 60 days (3,56),

45 days (3,49), and 90 days (3,45) (Table 5). Regarding these

variables, authors like Álvarez et al. (2015) is an alternative

to the demand of grasses for feeding ruminants. four species

of grass Pennisetum (elephant, purple, king grass, maralfalfa

and clone Cuba CT-115 suggest that cellular content in

forage species is inuenced by factors such as temperature,

heliophony, relative humidity, and soil microbiota. Agro-

environmental conditions can either positively or negatively

impact plants and soil microorganisms. If benecial

interactions occur, grasses synthesize relevant amounts of

proteins, amino acids, and carbohydrates.

Conclusions

In terms of agronomic characteristics, the Gramalote Morado

grass (A. scoparius) demonstrated superior performance

compared to the Micay grass (A. micay) and Gordura grass (M.

minutiora). The impact of harvest age signicantly inuenced

the behavior of the evaluated variables. Additionally, the

chemical composition of the dry matter exhibited notable

changes when compared to the other grasses. These ndings

suggest that A. scoparius is superior to the other species

studied.

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