Effect of spacing and cutting on pigeon pea development under subtropical conditions

ABSTRACT Depending on the purpose of its cultivation, pigeon pea can be grown under different spacings and cuts, since it quickly resprouts. This study aimed to assess the pigeon pea growth, forage production and quality, considering two spacings and one cut. A field experiment using a completely randomized design, with three treatments [1.0 × 0.2 m spacing (between rows and plants, respectively), without cuts; 0.5 × 0.1 m, without cuts; and 0.5 × 0.1 m, with cut at 90 days after emergence (DAE)], was carried out. The spacings did not affect the plant height. The 0.5 × 0.1 m spacing showed an individual plant growth worse, but a forage yield (kg ha-1) higher than the 1.0 × 0.2 m treatment, from 120 to 180 DAE. The 0.5 × 0.1 m spacing was more advantageous than the 1.0 × 0.2 m, with the highest forage yield obtained by harvesting at 150 DAE. It is better to harvest the forage at 90 DAE and harvest it again at 180 DAE than maintaining a continuous plant growth and harvest it at 180 DAE. In each sampling date, there was no difference for stem and leaf crude protein and starch content as a function of the treatments. The forage harvested from 90 to 180 DAE showed similar crude protein and starch contents. So, for this period, the forage quality is not a limiting factor for establishing the harvest time.