Biomass flow characteristicsand forage accumulation were evaluated in Bermudagrass (Tifton 85) pasture managedunder intermittent stocking with different management strategies. The managementlevels utilized were conventional (10 cm residual height and unfertilized),light (20 cm residual height and unfertilized), moderate (20 cm residual heightwith fertilization of 300 kg N/ha.year) and intensive (10 cm residual heightwith fertilization of 600 kg N/ha.year). A randomized design was used with repeatedmeasurements over time, in two periods of the year, with four replicates. Therewas significant effect of management × period of the year on the leafelongation rate (LER). The management levels under fertilization (0.59 and 0.60cm/tiller.day for the intensive and moderate management, respectively) and therainy season (0.49 cm/tiller.day) showed the greatest stem elongation rate.Leaf senescence rate (LSR) before and after and total LSR were modified by themanagement × period of the year interaction. The intensive management,with 0.38 leaves/tiller.day, as well as the dry period, with 0.27 leaves/tiller.day,showed higher leaf appearance rate. The lowest phyllochron was observed in intensivemanagement and dry periods, as well as an interaction with the management ofthe same periods of the year. There was management × period of year interactioneffect on leaf lifespan; the highest value was found under conventional managementand dry period. Both production and forage accumulation rates were higher inthe intensive and moderate management levels and dry season, and there was interactionof the intensive management system with the seasons. Managing pastures undermoderate and intensive rotational stocking, which occurred mainly in the rainyand dry seasons, respectively, maximizes the flow of tissues and consequentlyproduction and accumulation of forage.
